UNREST IN MOROCCO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 295, 20 September 1940, Page 5

UNREST IN MOROCCO.

SPANISH FEARS OF BRITAIN. LONDON, September IS. “The Times” says various reports indicate that the situation in French Morocco- is deteriorating. There is a shortage of everything. Only minor details of administration can be. settled locally and questions of major policy are -referred to Vichy, which means the Wiesbaden Armistico Tribunal. Vichy propaganda under Italian and Germain inspiration, aims to prove that Britain alone- is going to- starve the French, the Jews and the Moors.

Spanish Morocco corresponds to the position in 'Spain. Spain does not warm war. and is afraid of internal trouble.

Spanish officers suspect the British or their Allies of planning to land troops in Morocco, with the object of securing the southern shores of the Straits of Gibraltar. Germain, propagandists are fostering this suspicion as a srosult of which larger forces cf Spanish metropolitan troops have been transferred to Morocco. Gunposts cover practically the entire coast. A curious situation has arisen in Spain. It is understood that the Mgroccatn "Regulars (combined. Spanish and Moorish troops in the Spanish Army) have been transferred to Spain. Some of them have been sent to the Asturias, which -was never completely pacified. Moorish troops ate also believed to bo stationed in the- Badajoz i ogion.

Recruiting has reopened in Morocco for native; troops, partly to avoid complaints of unemployment- and food 1 shortage among the Riffs. The Gestapo is already operating in French Morocco, and also to a, lesser degree in Spanish Morocco.