WARS IN SYRIA AND THE RIFF.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 5 April 1926, Page 9

WARS IN SYRIA AND THE RIFF.

Krim Preparing Offensive. SPANISH VIEW OF SITUATION. By Cabls—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 4, 5.5 p.m.) MADRID, April 2. News from Rabat states that information derived from various sources indicates that Abd-el-Krim is about to launch a series of heavy attacks upon the European forces. Spanish opinion is that the attacks are in the nature of a peace offensive designed to impress Paris and Madrid with Krim’s strength, now these Governments are considering what concessions are necessary to gain peace in Morocco. It is expected that Oeuzzan will be Krim’s principal objective, with thrusts at Tetuan. Friendly natives report that Krim is rallying the tribesmen. French aeroplanes took a picture cf the Riffian columns advancing. FRANCE TAKING NO RISKS.

By Cab}.—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 4, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, April 3. ' Contradictory reports that Abd-ei-Krim is preparing an offensive seeking peace, are interpreted as showing indecision of mind. The Government of France, while continuing negotiations until peace, or no possibility of success, will continue preparations against the new outbreak. M. Briand, M. Painleve, and General Steel (Governor of Morocco), met m Paris, and it is understood they definitely established an alternative of peace or war programme. Meanwhile, F’rance is beginning an offensive against the Djtbel Druses. This marks the failure of an attempt by M. de Jouvenal to reach a peaceful settlement. Repeated overtures hy letter during the past few months have ail been rejected by mountain fanatics.

REVOLT SPREADS TO IRAQ. SYRIAN CLASH WITH BRITISH. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.' (Received April 4, 5.5 p.m.) BAGDAD, April 2. Two thousand Syrian and Arab tribesmen attacked the Iraq tribe defending a frontier post. British armoured cars inflicted heavy casualties . When the aeroplanes appeared, the invaders fled, leaving forty-five dead. , ' I) 1 ® number of wounded is unknown.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUSES. FRENCH CLAIM SUCCESS. ' By c»bl« —Prees Association—Copyright. Aultrali.ii and N.Z. Cable Association. ■PARIS, April 2. ~ clespatch from Beirut states that the Druse forces are retreating in the utmost disorder before a . French attack near Liban. Two French columns operating near Kuneitra met and routed Druse bands inflicting heavy losses. ‘