MOROCCAN WAR

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 270, 20 August 1925, Page 9

MOROCCAN WAR

PETAIN TO DIRECT FRENCH MILITARY OPERATIONS “REVERSE WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN” By Telegraph—Press Association CoPYBTGHT Paris, August 18. The “Journal’s” Fez correspondent says that Marshal Petain will arrive in Morocco shortly to direct the military operations, in agreement with Marshal Lyautey and General Naulin. The “Echo de Paris” states that the Frence forces in Morocco at the end of August will number a hundred battalions. It says it will be Marshal Petain’s task to decide the time of the offensive. It warns him that a reverse will not be forgiven.—Reuter. FRENCH ATTACK DEVELOPING FAVOURABLY (Rec. August 19, 8.50 p.m.) Paris, August 18. The French attack on the Tsoul front is developing favourably. The enemy is resisting at certain points, but is unable seriously to oppose the advance of the four French columns. Nevertheless the operations are merely a cur-tain-raiser to the main offensive, to begin at the end of the month, when Marshal Petain returns. In the meanwhile the French aim to dislodge the Riffs from raiding posts and safeguard the communications with Algeria, and also politically influence the neighbouring tribes.

Marshal Petain has gone to Morocco after conferring with M. Painleye, who made a statement that everything was being arranged with a view to taking the offensive with the utmost speed and efficiency and a minimum of bloodshed. —Reuter.

ENEMY FALLING BACK (Rec. August 19, 10.45 p.m.) Paris, August 19. As a result of his first leap forward the enemy is falling back northwards, pursued by aeroplanes, according to a Fez message. Referring to the dual operations in the south, the message says the Ouledbair tribesmen unconditionally surrendered.—Reuter. SPANISH REINFORCEMENTS Gibraltar, August 18. General Primo de Rivera has arrived at Algeciras from Morocco, and it is reported that he will shortly meet Marshal Petain and M. Malvy. Transports are assembling at Algeciras to convey reinforcements to Africa. Troops are expected from Madrid, Seville, and other places.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.