THKOUGH FRENCH UBANGI 37 



In 1909 the French first made commercial use of 

 a waterway from the Atlantic Ocean up the Niger 

 and Benue rivers, which are, by treaty -right with 

 Great Britain, open to foreigners for commercial pur- 

 poses, then through the upper reaches of the Benue 

 and its tributaries, by arrangement with the Germans, 

 to Lere, the most westerly French station. The water- 

 way from Lere continues, almost without a break, by 

 way of the Tuburi and Tikem lakes to the Logone ; 

 though a short land porterage is necessary immedi- 

 ately after leaving Lere. 



By this route it is possible to travel from France 

 to Lere in less than two months, whereas the Congo- 

 Ubangi route necessitates a long land march, and 

 takes from four to six months, according to the 

 season. Despite the enormous gain in time, it must 

 be remembered, however, that the waterway is only 

 passable for a few weeks, after the rains. Though 

 this important territory, from and including Lere to 

 the Logone, is to be ceded to the Germans, the French 

 have retained the use of the waterway. To quote 

 'The Times' of November 4, " A very important pro- 

 vision is that which gives France free transit along 

 the Mao Kabi river, . . . through German territory, 

 to the Benue." " No duties can be imposed on goods 

 passing through the new German territory along the 

 rivers Benue and Mao Kabi. France will further 

 obtain "enclaves" of land to the extent of 50 hectares 

 each on the Benue and the Mao Kabi, and also in 

 the direction of the Logone river, which will enable 

 her to establish revictualling posts and stores. It is 

 even provided that if France desires to construct from 

 the Benue to the Logone a road or a railway she 



