BLUNT NEGATIVE

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1925, Page 5

BLUNT NEGATIVE

BRITAIN ANSWERS SPAIN JOINT DEFENCE REQUEST. MOROCCAN CAMPAIGN. (Received 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, July 11. The "Daily Express," confirming the earlier message, understands that the Government lias despatched an unequivocal reply to Spain's request for joint defensive operations against the Riffs, intimating that it cannot agree to send troops to Tangier. Advices from Morocco state that two Svanish columns Lave been ordered to concentrate in the 'Subbat sector on the Spanish side of the frontier in order to cover a reconnaissance by a French mobile column. —A. and N.Z.

WHOLESALE GUN-RUNNING,

EFFECTUAL AERIAL BOMBING,

(Received 10.15 a.m.) PARIS, July 11. Two men have been arrested on a charge of gun-running, transporting thousands of Mausers and tons of explosives for the Riffs. An aeroplane bombed Riffs at Amaisha. It scattered a conference of staff officers, killing several and blowing off the head of the horse which Abd el Krim's brother was riding.—Sun.

AGREEMENT SIGNED,

POLITICAL CO-OPERATION. (Received 1.30 p.m.) MADRID, July 12. . The French and Spanish delegates to the Moroccan Conference have signed an agreement in regard to political cooperation in Morocco. —Reuter.

THE RIFF REPUBLIC

RECOGNITION ON TERMS. OTHERWISE AN OFFENSIVE. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, July 12. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Express" says that though the peace negotiations with Abd el Krirn are opening in a few days, new troops are preparing to go to Morocco. It is understood that France and Spain are willing to recognise the independence of the Riff Republic, but only under the Sultan of Morocco's sovereignty. If this offer is refused an offensive will be launched against Sheshuan,—A. and N.Z.