RIFFS BEING ENCIRCLED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19143, 8 October 1925, Page 11

RIFFS BEING ENCIRCLED.

THE FRENCH ADVANCING. CONTACT WITH SPANIARDS. TRIBESMEN SURRENDERING. n . By Telegraph-—Press Association-—Copyright. (Received 10.5 p.m.) Renter.-Sun. PARIS Oct. 6. Advices from Morocco state that, in spite of desperate resistance by the Biffs, the French forces continue to advance. A column north of Kiffane advanced over 12 miles beyond the former Riff post at Aknoul, in the direction of Ajdir. Rebel tribesmen are surrendering in ! larger nunbers daily and are returning to their lands, after having been disarmed. Contact has been established between the French and Spanish troops at Syah. The news has profoundly impressed the whole population of Morocco. Le Matin says the French have advanced 18 miles into the Riffs' country. They are now preparing for a general junction with the Spaniards 11 miles from that point in order to carry out an encircling movement. Another message from Fez says rain is delaying operations, but the French have reached Jcbel Braret with the co-opera-tion of their cavalry. A message from Madrid states that King Alfonso has signed a decree relieving General Weyler of the functions of Chief of the Geneial Staff of the Spanish Army. Heavy rains have prevented the continuance of the combined Franco-Spanish cavalry operations in the Melilla sector. FROM CANNON'S MOUTII. RIFF MINISTER EXECUTED. I TRIBAL LEADERS SHARE FATE. (Received 10.35 p.m.) I Renter. TANGIER, Oct. 6. And el Krim, the Riff leader, had j fired from the mouth of a cannon his I Foreign Minister, Si Mohammed Zerkane, j whom he accused of betraying the Riffian 1 cause. Several prominent tribal leaders were | also executed.