WAR IN MOROCCO.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 122, 9 May 1911, Page 1

WAR IN MOROCCO.

FRANCE AND THE POWERS.

RELATIONS CONSISTENTLY CORDIAL. J PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT]. Paris, May 8. It is officially stated that the Franco-Spanish exchange of views on Morocco is consistently cordial. The ’ ‘Matin” states that Germany is aware through the friendly Powers that France's efforts are solely directed towards the safety of Europeans and strengthening the Sultan’s authority. The “Eclair'’ suggests that with a view to allaying mistrust, and after a suggestion that French, German and Spanish troops should guard the legations at Fez. that France should arrange for her troops to withdraw three days after they arrive, leaving only iOt* behind.

FEZ SURROUNDED.

SULTAN CLAMOURS FOR s RELIEF. I Tangier, May S. ! Although the Sultan is clamour-■ ing for the speedy arrival of relief,* as the situation has become worse, it is feared that General Brulards force will be another fortnight in reaching Fez. The delay is due to the piecemeal formation of the force and the fact that the French * colonial battalions do not possess in peace the full complement of, horses and mules. These have .o be requisitioned in Algeria and elsewhere. Ambulance and other rearward services have to be despatched as transport facilities allow after the troope have embarked. General Monier has ordered General Brulard’s communications to be adquately guarded. The bulk; of General Monier’s force will beheld in readiness at the principal base, Shawia. General Foutie, with 9000 men, holds all the middle fords. The Berbers at Mequinez • proclaimed Mulai-el-Zin sultan. He has written to a friend stating that he will accept the throne only be-: cause Mequinez would otherwise be sacked.

THE SULTAN AND HIS RIVAL

London, Mav 8.

Moroccan messages to London, Paris and Berlin are very contradictory, but the concensus of opinion is that Mulai Ilafid is safe, unless disaffection spreads to his supporters within Fez. Some tribes have joined his mohalla near Habat, which is proceeding to Fez. The Shereefian troops made sor ties on April 26th and 27th ami met reverses. The heads of 22 Government soldiers were sent to Mequinez.

Mulai-el-Zin has hitherto been a State prisoner. He is 25 years of age, and is not fanatical. He likes Europeans. His viziers are moderate men of good standing.

NATIVE POPULACE INSOLENT

(Received 9. 8.5 a.m.) London. Mav 8.

The Daily Mail’s Tangier correspondent reports that ail the tribes have proclaimed a holy war. It is reported that the native populace at Mequinez and Fez are favourable to the rebels, ami are r< fusing to help the Sultan. Food at Fez is dear, and the natives are insolent.