RIFFS IN FRENCH ZONE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 13 May 1925, Page 9

RIFFS IN FRENCH ZONE.

Regarded as Armed Invasion.

VIGOROUS COUNTER MEASURES PROPOBEO. By Cable—Pres* Auocialion —Cop j right. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, May 11. The Paris correspondent of ‘ The Times” says, that following a Cabinet, discussion an the Moroccan situation, M. Painleve made a Statement that the Riffs would soon discover that their mistake of penetrating into the French lines was of the greatest importance. This lliff movement, which is no longer a mere infiltration for the object of pillage, but a real invasion aimed at forcing us to evacuate territories as far as Fez, should be suppressed with the utmost energy. M. Painleve emphasised flat ; t was most important that France's intentions should be clearly unJerstood abroad. There was no question of a war of conquest. France was purely and simply defending her own interests. Not only was she maintaining the limits of the Moroccan mandate, but was acting in complete accordance with the Anglo-Spanish agreement.

“ HOLY WAR ” DECLARED,

NO FRANCO-SPANISH

CAMPAIGN,

By Cable —Press Association —Copyright. Keuter’* Telegrams. (Received May 12, 11.35 p.m.) PARIS, May 11. Well-informed sources declare that no combined Franco-Spanish plan of campaign in Morocco is contemplated. Abd-el-Krim is reported to have declared a Holy War, and has sent his brother to Sheshuan in tho Spanish zone, for the purpose of raising levies among tho local Jebala tribesmen.