The Landing of Wilhelm II in Tangier, March 31, 1905
Report of Councillor von Schoen, Envoy in the Imperial Suite, to the German Foreign Office:
Gibraltar, 31 March, 1905
After overcoming the difficult technical task of landing in Tangier, there was a very fitting reception
on the dock by Moroccan officials and the German colony. Then a ride through the gaily decorated
streets amid the indescribable joy of the natives and the European population; it was a magnificent
oriental pageant in fine weather. In the Embassy there was a reception of Germans, the diplomatic
corps, and the Sultan's envoy, who, because of his great age and a rough sea, had not been able to
come aboard ship.
Remarks of His Majesty, all colorless, with the exception of what follows.
In conversing with the French agent, although at first the talk was without significance, yet when
the latter conveyed his respects and greetings from Delcasse, the Kaiser replied that his visit meant that His Majesty wanted free trade for Germany and complete equality of rights with other
countries.
When Count Cherisey was about to acknowledge these remarks courteously, His Majesty said that
he would like to treat directly with the Sultan, the free ruler of an independent country, as an equal;
that he himself would be able to make his just claims valid, and that he expected that these claims
would also be recognized by France. Count Cherisey became pale. He was about to respond, but
was curtly dismissed. He withdrew with drawn head.
Reception of the honorable great uncle of the Sultan was very formal. Text of the address, which
was full of the usual high-sounding words but was somewhat colorless, together with autograph
letter, to be delivered to the envoy. His Majesty remarked that he looked upon the Sultan as the ruler
of a free and independent empire subject to no foreign control; that he expected Germany to have
advantages equal to those of other countries in trade and commerce; and that he himself would
always negotiate directly with the Sultan....
On the whole the brief visit of His Majesty came off splendidly without any unfortunate event and
apparently made a great impression upon Moors and foreigners.
His Majesty was highly satisfied with the visit, especially with the confidential message of the
Sultan, brought to His Majesty, that he would initiate no reforms without a previous understanding
with the Imperial Government.
According to the custom of the country, our ships were richly loaded with gifts consisting of natural
products of the land.
v. SCHOEN
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