FRANCE AT WAR.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18486, 14 September 1925, Page 7

FRANCE AT WAR.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST RIFFIS.

HEAVY ARTILLERY IN USE.

RACE AGAINST RAINY SEASON.

(ST CABLE—MESS ASSOCLVTIOK—• COPTKIGKT.) (Srcitir "Sty' Service.)

(Received September 13th, 5.5 p.m.)

LONDON, September 12.

Tho Paris correspondent of the "Daily Mail*' says that after 45 hours' bombardment on a 40 milea front sixty of Marshal Petain's battalions have advanced another stage in the great race against the coming rains. They must cross the Ouergha, driving back the Riffis installed on tho northern bank within two or three weeks, for there are signs that the fords will become swollen and impassable, necessitating the suspension of the campaign until the spring. The artiUery concentrated on tho Riffi posts and laid a barrages before the advancing troops. Tanks cleared the valleys and roads, ensuring tho infantry's free passage. There are only occasional hitches in French progress, due to the obstinate machine-gun posts. Four hours after daybreak tho advance had gone well beyond the allotted objective. The left flank reached Mount Mesned,„ which dominates the country round TeruaJ. The right flank advanced up the Sahela Valley as far as Sker, taking the Astar heights in its stride.

Substantial reinforcements have landed at Alhucemas and Morronuevo. Several coastal tribes are ready to surrender.

The Spanish general reports that neighbouring villages have hoisted the white flag.

The Paris correspondent of the "Dailv News" says that, preceded by a heavy artillery preparation, the French made a surprise advance in the valley of the Upper Ouergha, marching on Kiffrene and extending to the right for the purpose of effecting a junction with the Spaniards at Meljlla. The Riffis offered determined resistance.

LYAUTEY RETURNS.

COOPERATING WITH

PETAIN. , FAVOURABLE FRENCH REPORTS. (kectis's tblxgbaxb.) (Received September 13tb, 5.5 p.m.) PAEIS, September 12. Marshal Lyautoy has departed on his return to Morocco, where he will cooperate with Marshal Petain in the political exploitation of the military operations whieh the latter directs.

Advices from Fez state that a terrific artillery preparation . for 21 hours preceded the attack which wad launched at 2 o'clock in the morning by two wings on the French northern front, extending beyond Terual on one Bide and Tafrant on the other.

A communique states that the attacks are ■ developing satisfactorily, and a number 1 of posts occupied! The object of the attack was the reoccupation of the outposts north of the Ouergha, which were abandoned earlier in the year. The situation at noon was reported as being most favourable, the French attaining all their objectires and only encountering resistance at a few points. The rebels, under aeroplane and artillery attack, retreated north of Bibanc.

WARSHIPS DAMAGED..

RESULT OF RIFFI SHELL-FIRE.

(Sidney "Stw'' SrSvic*.)

(Eeccivcd September 13th, 5.3 p.m.)

MADRID, September 12.

The Riflis are strongly pressing Tetuan. Nevertheless, the situation is easier.

The Spanish bombarded and destroyed villages, and are concentrating on Alhucemas for the purpose of marching on Ajdir.

The French left flank's advance is intended to culminate in an attack on Sheshuan in conjunction with the Spaniards advancing on the opposite side.

Abdel Krim's Council of War decided to withdraw to the interior, enabling better resistance. The French battleship Paris was holed below the water line and the wireless destroyed by 7-inch shells during the Eiffi bombardment. The M.etz and Strasburg were also damaged.

ALLIES' STEADY ADVANCE. MANY RIFFI CASUALTIES. (it cable— pbsss association—coftbight.) (acstbauas asd s.s. cajle associatiok.) (Beceived September 14tb, 12.45 a.m.) LONDON, September 13. French and Spanish messages from Morocco indicate a stow but certain advance. The casualties are small. A Madrid communique says that Spanish troops reinforced the western front and continued operations. They occupied positions affording advantageous starting points for a further advance. - The enemy lost heavily in casualties, amounting in the Benihozmar sector (near Tetuan) alone to 500.

at foot cf vegb catnap.

RIPFI CONCENTRATIONS. RECOVERY FROM SURPRISE ATTACK. (ar ctßLE—raiss ASsociAnos-corTJUGHT.) (ACSTHiIAS AHD K.Z. CA*LZ ASSOCIATES.) (Received September 14th, 12.45 a.m.) PABIS, September 12. A message from Fez states that so far the v position is unchanged. The enemy retired swiftly, moving northward. Aircraft report enemy concentrations on a number of fronts, indicating that the Biffis are recovering from the surprise attack. Counter-French operations,, however, will be fcmtinued to-day to extend the occupied area. i