New York Times
May 29, 1904
May 29, 1904
AMERICAN MARINES MAY INVADE MOROCCO
Two Squadrons of Seven Warships Sent to Tangiers
FULL POWERS TO ADMIRALS
Authorized to Send Expedition to Effect Release of Captives of Bandit Raisuli
Special to the New York Times
WASHINGTON, May 28.--American bluejackets and marines may make a forced march into the interior of Morocco to effect the release of Messrs. Pericardis and Varley, captives of the bandit Raisuli.
The decision to adopt such measures, if other means fail, was reached during a short conference at the White House this morning between President Roosevelt and Secretary Hay immediately after the receipt of what is regarded by them as a most insulting ultimatum from Raisuli.
Both the European Squadron and the South Atlantic Squadron, making seven warships in all, have been ordered to Tangier.
Raisuli's ultimatum was received this morning by Secretary Hay in a cablegram from United States Consul Gummere. The Consul said in substance that bandit had been heard from and had made a set of demands which the British Minister and Mr. Gummere had deemed it their duty to lay before their governments.
Raisuli demanded that the Moorish forces should be withdrawn from the district in which his band operated, leaving them in control. He asked that a large money ransom be collected from the Governors of Tangier and Fez, who happen to be bitter enemies. He further demanded absolute immunity for himself and his followers from pursuit or punishment for the kidnapping and other crimes which they had committed in the past. To cap the climax of his demands, Raisuli insisted that the United States and Great Britain should solemnly guarantee the observance by the Moorish Government of the forgoing stipulations.
Secretary Hay at once had a conference with the President, and it was agreed the Raisuli's terms could not be met. To grant them would be equivalent to forcing the Sultan of Morocco to abdicate in favor of a brigand so far as a considerable part of Moorish territory was concerned. Moreover, the United States Government could not, without establishing a new and dangerous precedent, undertake to guarantee the acts of another Government.
The decision was reached in a few minutes to employ all the available naval force now stationed in European and South Atlantic waters to rescue the captives and to bring the outlaw to book for his crimes. Within an hour orders were cabled by Secretary Moody to Rear Admiral Jewell at Horta in the Azores to take the entire European Squadron to Tangier. The South Atlantic squadron under Rear Admiral Chadwick, and consisting of the armored cruiser Brooklyn, the protected cruiser Atlanta, and the gunboats Castine and Marietta sailed from Teneriffe for Tangier to-day.
These vessels, with the European squadron, consisting of the protected cruisers Olympia, Baltimore, and Cleveland, making seven in all, will be on the scene in a few days.
The orders are such that Admirals Chadwick and Jewell may co-operate in any way that they deem best to accomplish the purpose. They will, if necessary, land bluejackets and marines and assist the Sultan of Morocco in a forced march into the interior, where the bandit has taken refuge in the mountains, and not only rescue the prisoners, but capture Raisuli and bring him to justice.
Admiral Chadwick's squadron is expected to reach Tangier to-morrow and orders will be awaiting the Admiral there. The Atlanta, Marietta, and Castine coaled at Teneriffe on arrival there yesterday, but acting on the orders that reached Admiral Chadwick the Brooklyn sailed at once, leaving the other ships to start later in the day.
The intention is to help the Sultan to wipe out the bandit chieftain and his band if possible, and the force sent to Morocco is regarded as strong enough to do this, even without any co-operation by the authorities of Morocco. It is believe that the Sultan is doing all in his power to secure the freedom of the two prisoners, and is acting in perfectly good faith.
Admiral Chadwick will consult with Consul Gummere on his arrival at Tangier, and will use his judgment as to the wisest way to deal with Moorish people and ways.
There is naturally some concern over the possible attitude of France in the premise. That country is dominant in the political affairs of Morocco, and may not be acquiescent in the course taken by this Government. It is hoped, however, that France may set at work influences which will bring about the release of the prisoners without making it necessary to land a force and engage in a military expedition into the interior.
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