AMBUSHED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 138, 13 June 1929, Page 9

AMBUSHED.

FRENCH IN MOROCCO.

Moors Carry Off Prisoners

To Stronghold.

WHIRLWIND ATTACK.

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.)

(Received 1 p.m.)

CASABLANCA, June 12,

Rebel tribesmen ambushed two companies of French-Morocco troops. Latest reports state that thirteen French Avere killed and fifteen French and 65 natives are missing.

The attackers swept out of a defile, completely surprising the French officers, who were killed as they attempted to rally the native troops against the whirlwind attacks of the tribesmen who, in a final charge at full speed, rode wildly through the French ranks firing rifles and wielding heavy swords with terrible effect.

The prisoners are now being hurried to the raiders' stronghold, where their ultimate fate is doubtful, as the tribesmen are notorious for their malicious treatment of captives, especially Christians.

A large force is preparing to pursue the raiders.

Serious Reverse

A serious reverse for French troops in Morocco is reported by the Tangier correspondent of the "Times." He says two companies of French-Moroccan infantry, supported by a detachment of cavalry, were attacked by a strong body of natives near Erfud.

Eight officers, including the major in command, were killed. It is not known what has become of the survivors.

Genera] Viealon, commander of the French troops in Morocco, has gone to tho scene.

M. Lueien Saint, Resident General, has hurriedly returned to Rabat from Agadir. This suggests that the situation is viewed with some anxiety.