IN MOROCCO

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1926, Page 2

IN MOROCCO

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

CANNING AFFAIR EXPLAINED.

PARIS, December 30. According to the newspapers, M. Briand is informing Captain Canning (special correspondent of the “ Daily Express ” with Abd-el Krim) tiiat it isLimpossiblo for At. Briand to have any* ■ relations with him. PARIS, December 30. Replying in the Chamber of Deputies to a Communist, M. Caeliin, with regard to the visit to Paris of tho British war correspondent, Captain Canning, envoy of Abd-el Krim, with whom AI. Briand refused to treat, M. Briand explained at length the reason for his refusal. He said that Captain Canning had no official mandate to ho sent toParis and at that very the French authorities had secured .ros-i session of bundles of propagaYufcTvlncli was intended to stir up a revolt ol Moslems against France and Spain, who were endeavouring to bring about a real peace. The situation in Aforoeco had considerably improved. The Moroccans themselves were policing the frontiers. Ten thousand families had returned to their allegiance in order to escape the terrible cruelty and tyranny of Abd-el Krim, who was in no wise qualified to speak for tribes, particularly the Djebalas and RifPjt with whom France and Spain to negotiate and with whom it was hoped shortly to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the matters in dispute. • KRIM CONSIDERED BEATEN.

[“ The Times ” Service.] LONDON, January 2. The “Times” Paris correspondent says AL Driand’s refusal to negotiate with Abd-el Krim is due to the fact that the French Government now considers Krim is beaten. This could not have been said in October when tho main campaign was ending, but operations have since been carried out by mobile groups, native auxiliaries and .. political action, which have completely, changed tho situation. It is calculated that during December twelve thousand tribesmen submitted, including some not hitherto under control. This success i.s. officially, regarded as lasting and as the movement towards submission i.s expected to extend, it is not surprising that AI. Briand turned down Captain Canning’s overtures. Captain Canning, represented Krim. The French consider the situation now calls for direct dealing with the tribes themselves.

[A previous message stated that Captain Gordon Canning, special respondent of the “ Daily Expioss, London, with Abd-el Krim, had arrived in Paris in the hope of discussing peace with Aforoeco with AL Briand.]