MOROCCO

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 12 May 1925, Page 2

MOROCCO

RIFF RUSE THAT FAILED (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian A N.Z. Cable Association.* MADRID, May 10 A Riff ruse that failed is narrated in a communique dealing with the Melilln area. A force of over a. thousand tribesmen apparently advancing into the French zone, suddenly wheeled round and invaded the Spanish zone. The attack was frustrated and the Spaniards captured prisoners and guns. RIFFS IN STRONG POSITIONS PARIS, May 10 A message from Rabat states that important Riff concentrations are reported. The enemy in some cases have taken up n position in strongly fortified entrenchments. General Cham bran has taken all necessary military and political measures to deal with the situation. The Journal says that- the despatch to Morocco of General Nicssel, InspectorGeneral of Aviation, eeems to he due to the fact that the Riffs are using aeroplanes. The Journal also- says that detachments of volunteers have been formed at Toulon to proceed to- Morocco.

FRENCH ACTION AGAINST RIFFS

LONDON, May 11. The Times Paris correspondent says Hint following a Cabinet discussion on the .Moroccan situation M. Painlcve made a statement that the Rifts would soon discover the mistake of penetrating into the French lines, as it is of the greatest importance that this Rilf movement, which is no longer a mere infiltration for the object of pillage, buta real invasion aimed at toning us to evacuate territories as far as Fez, should be suppressed with the utmost energy. M. Painlcve emphasised that it is also important that France’s intentions -should he clearly understood abroad. There was no question of war conquest. France was purely and simply defending her own interests. Not only was she remaining within tlie Emits of the Moroccan mandate but she was acting in complete accordance with tlie Anglo-Spanish agreement.