FIGHTING IN MOROCCO

Evening Star, Issue 19023, 19 August 1925, Page 5

FIGHTING IN MOROCCO

FRENCH OPERATIONS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, August 17. A communique From Fez says that operations on a large scale have begun with a view to cleaning up the rebels in the country. Artillery and aircraft are intensively engaged against the Jl iff centres.—Reuter. LIMIT TO FIGHTING M. PALNL EVE'S PROPHECY. LONDON, August 3. The French Prime Minister (M. Painleve), in a speech to-day, said: “We must defend Morocco or quit Africa. The latter sten would mean the end of our colonial empire, our economic freedom, _ and France’s influence and prestige in the world. What Frenchman would dure order the evacuation?” M. Painlcve predicted that the v-ar would end in October. PETAIN’S TASK. PARIS, August 18. (Received August 19, at 11 a.m.) The Fez correspondent of ‘ Lc Journal ’ says: “Marshal Retain will arrive in Morocco shortly to direct the military operations in agreement with Marshal Lyautey and General Naulin.” The ‘ Echo de Paris ’ states: “ The French forces in Morocco at the end of August will number 100 battalions.” It says that it will bo Marshal Petain’s task to decide on the time for an offensive, and it warns .Marshal Retain that a reverse will not bo forgiven.—Reuter, SPANISH ARRANGEMENTS. GIBRALTAR, August 18. (Received August 19, at 1(1.30 a.m.) General Pritno De Rivera arrived at Algeciras from Morocco. It is reported that he will shortly meet Marshal Retain and M. Maloy. Transports are assembling at Algociras to convoy the reinforcements to Africa.. Troops are expected from Madrid. Seville, and oilier centres.—Ron--1 ter.