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| 1904, April 8 |
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| The ANGLO-FRENCH ENTENTE concluded. This had been under negotiation since July and especially since Oct. The outbreak of the Russian-Japanese War undoubtedly served to hasten the conclusion. The agreement represented a complete settlement of colonial differences, particularly with regard to Egypt and Morocco: France recognized the British occupation of Egypt, but was given guaranties regarding the Egyptian debt; Britain was to make effective the treaty of 1888 providing for the free navigation of the Suez Canal; Britain recognized French interests in Morocco and promised diplomatic support in realizing them; secret articles envisaged the eventual breakdown of Moroccan independence and the partition of the country between France and Spain; France surrendered ancient rights on the shores of Newfoundland, but retained the right to fish; in return, France was given territory near French Gambia and east of the Niger; British and French spheres of influence were delimited on the frontiers of Siam, and disputes regarding Madagascar and the New Hebrides were adjusted. | 1 |
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| Oct. 21 |
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| The Dogger Bank episode. The Russian fleet, under Adm. Zinovy Rodjestvensky, passing through the North Sea on its way to the Far East, fired upon British trawlers, which they had supposed to be Japanese destroyers. The situation was finally saved through the efforts of Delcassé, and the matter was adjusted by an international commission (Feb. 25, 1905). | 2 |
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| Oct. 27–Nov. 23 |
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| German-Russian negotiations for an alliance. These arose from the tension between Russia and Britain and from British protests against the coaling of the Russian fleet by German companies. The tsar accepted a German draft treaty (Oct. 30) providing for mutual aid in case of attack by another European power. The plan broke down because of Russia's unwillingness to sign before consulting France, which was expected to be drawn in. Ultimately the two powers agreed (Dec. 12) merely to aid each other in the event of complications arising from the coaling of the fleet. | 3 |
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