geciras, the most prejudiced against us." ¹ His col-
league, M. Regnault, was also thoroughly familiar with
Morocco, having served as a delegate of the French in-
vestors in Morocco. The German delegation consisted
of Herr von Radowitz, the ambassador at Madrid, and
Count von Tattenbach, the German emissary to Fez,
whose operations in Morocco have already been men-
tioned. Having already triumphed over France once,
his attitude was one of "cordial disdain," and he never
faltered in his belief that by dictatorial and blustering
tactics, he could ride rough shod over the rights of
France and any other nation whose interests clashed
with those of Germany.

At the opening sitting, the Duke d'Almodovar, the
first Spanish delegate, was unanimously chosen presi-
dent of the Conference. ² As a precautionary measure,
the delegates decided to discuss the less important
projects first, so that from January 16 to February
20, the Conference debated peacefully enough upon the
questions of contraband in arms, and reforms in the
imposts and customs duties. The two most impor-
tant questions, namely the State Bank and the organ-
ization of the police were not broached. But while
the public discussions were proceeding on these non-
contentious subjects, private conversations were going
on among the various delegates. Herr von Radowitz
commenced sounding out the situation on January 23,

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