RIFF LEADER'S AMBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19040, 10 June 1925, Page 9

RIFF LEADER'S AMBITION.

STRUGGLE IN MOROCCO. MAHOMMEDAN RISING NEXT. NORTH AFRICAN PROTECTORATE By Telegraph—Presti Association—Copyrisht (Received 0.5 p.m.) Renter. PARTS. Juno 9. A bulletin from Fez reports that contingents ot rebel tribesmen proceeding in the direction of the Taunat Heights were out-flanked by French cavalry and friendly tribesmen, and were forced to retreat with heavy loss. French artillery stopped a fresh enemy attack. In an interview published in Figaro, the president of the Spanish Directory, General Primo. de Ilivera, said the only solution of the Riff problem was the entire disarmament of the region. France and Spain must, he said, anticipate carrying out a short, intense campaign, which would necessitate sacrifices. There were 12,000 Riff warriors whose only industry was warfare and pillage. Abd el Krim was not a fanatic, but an ambitious business man, and he might surprise the "world by suddenly announcing peace. Pressure by the Riffs on the French zone in Morocco is increasing at various points along the front. This has necessitated the greatest vigilance on the part of the French commander, who is convinced that the stake in the struggle is not only a protectorate for Morocco, but one for the whole of the North African colonics. The Riff leader, Abd el Krim, has not concealed his intention of raising the Mahommedans throughout the whole of Africa if his present offensive should succeed. Advices from Fez state that the French troops at various points in the Tanouat region withdrew after destroying a number of posts which had served the lines of communication between the French and the tribesmen who have gone over to the rebels. Enemy concentrations are reported northward of Beni Derkoub. GERMAN TRAWLERS. FRENCH WARSHIPS SEIZE TWO PLANS FOR A BLOCKADE. (Received 9.35 p.m.) Reuter-Times. LONDON, June S. A message from Paris states that French warships seized two German trawlers in Moroccan waters near Agadir. They took them to Mogador, where they are being detained. , The Paris correspondent of the Times says conversations regarding the Moroccan situation are now proceeding between France and Spain. It is hoped that an agreement will be reached for a joint blo'ckade of the Moroccan coast. The correspondent emphasises that by this means Abd el Krim's sources of supply would be effectively cut off, anfl his military position would be seriously injured. There is reason to believe, however, that he is already in possession of a large stock of rifles and ammunition.