RIFFIS' HOPE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18404, 10 June 1925, Page 9

RIFFIS' HOPE.

HOLY WAR IN AFRICA.

MORE THAN MOROCCO AT

STAKE.

<»T CIKI- ?R*SS AMOCTATIO3T—COPTXIOHT.) (AUSTEAUAS ASD S.Z. CAJLI ASSOCIATIOX.)

PATJS, June S.

Tho Riff pressure is increasing at various points on the Front, necessitating the greatest vigilance on the part of tho French command, which is convinced that the stake in the struggle is not only tho Protectorate of Morocco but tho whole of the North African colonies.

Abd-el-Krim has not concealed his intention of raising Mohammedans throughout the whole of Africa if the present offensive succeeds.

Advioe>3 from Fez state that the French troops in certain sectors in tho Tanouat region, withdrew after the destruction of a number of posts- which had served a3 lines of communication between the French raid tribes which have gone- over to the rebels. Enemy conecnti-ations nrj reported northward of Benidc-Kuub.

JOINT BLOCKADE.

FRENCH HOPE FOR SPAIN'S HELP.

("tjb? JDae:")

(Received June oth, 8.30 p.m.)

LONDON, June 8

The Paris correspondent of "The Times" statos, regarding the FrancoSpanish conversations now proceeding, that the French hope that an agreement will be reached for joint blockage of the Moroccan coast.

The correspondent emphasises that by this means Abd-el-Krim's sources of supply would be effectively cut off and his military position seriously injured, though there is reason to beliovo that he is already in poesesaion of a large stock of rifles and Ammunition.

SPANISH DICTATOR'S VIEW.

(AU6TEALUN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received June 9th, 7.5 p.m.) PARIS, June 8,

"Figaro" interviewed General De Rivera, head of the Spanish Directory, who declared that the only solution of the Riff problem was the entire disarmament of the region. France and Spain mu&t anticipate a short, intense campaign, necessitating sacrifices. There were 1!J,000 Rijf warriors whose only industry was warfare and pillage. Abdrel-Krim was not a fanatic, but an ambitious business man, and he triight surprise the world by suddenly announcing peace. REBEL PARTY DRIVEN BACK. AHD K.Z. CABLB ASBOCUTIOS.) ' (Received June 9th, 8,30 p.m.) PARIS, June 9. A bulletin from Fez reports that a, contingent of rebel tribesmen proceeding in' the detection of th,e Taunat Heights were outflanked by Tfehek' cavalry and friendly tribesmen, and forced to retreat with heavy losses. The French artillery stopped a fresh enemy attack. GERMAN TRAWLERS SEIZED. (AUSJTUIUH ASD U.S. CiBLX ASSOCJATIOK.) (Received June 9tfy 8.30 p.m.) PARIg, Jiiiie 8. French warships two Germahi trawlers in Moroccan waters near Agadir, and took theni to M°gaflor' where they were detained. CHECKING FRANC'S FALL. ■ ■'. '-.« —— * GOVERNMENT INTERVENES. (JIT (Rf PARJS, June 8. It is announced that M- Cailjau? (Finance Minjstar) ib determined to prewut any further fall in the frane, which a* present staid? at 100 to tije £l. He will utilise aU *he Anteriean credits available as a result of the Pierpant Morgan loan, made when thfr last fall oocurre4. In addition further large sums will be lised, but the exact moment of the Government's inten'ention Will be kept secret to prevent speculation.