RESTLESS RIFFS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2672, 5 May 1925, Page 5

RESTLESS RIFFS

Engaged By French Frontier Force

TRIBESMEN SUFFER HEAVY LOSSES.

[By Electric Cable—Copyright.]

[Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.]

(Received Monday 7 p.m) LONDON, May 3.

The “Times” Robata correspondent, reports that Franco-Riff hostilities have started. Three French columns, aided by aeroplanes, are moving northwards against the Riffs bands, who have been penetrating the French zone since the middle or April. Contact has already been established at several points, resultiixg in heavy Riff losses. DEEDS, NOT WORDS. RIFF TERRITORY NOT TO BE ENTERED. (Received Monday 7 p.m) PARIS, May 3. Marshal Lyautey’s laconic communiques give the scantiest details of the Riffian infiltration into the French zone of Morocco, but it is known the Riffs merely entered an undefended strip ten kilometres wide between the frontier and the French outpost line. The Riffs arc endeavouring to stir up the bordcr tribosmen against the French. Already there have been minor skirmishes, with slight casualties, but Marshal Lyautcy is confident ho can cope with the situation with the troops at his disposal. He does not intend to enter Riff territory, which would raise international complications.