RISING IN MOROCCO

Otago Witness, Issue 2983, 17 May 1911, Page 29

RISING IN MOROCCO

HOLY WAR PROCLAIMED. LONDON, May 8. The Daily Mail's Tangier correspondent reports that all the tribes have proclaimed 1 a holy war, also that it is reported that Mequinez and Fez are favourable to the rebels and refuse to help the Sultan. ! Food in Fez is dear, and the natives are insolent. I PARIS, May 9. I General Monier has been ordered to rescue the Europeans from Fez ,as quickly as possible. I May 10. A message states that 2000 mules and , 1000 camels have been shipped to Casa- ! blanca from Algeria during the past fortnight, and thence sent inland: Major Brulara's column is still at SidiAyash, 20 miles from Rabat. May 13. During the rebels' recent attack on Fez gangs of ruffians looted the shops and several persons were killed. The rebels have informed Mulai Hafid that if he will abdicate the Europeans will not be harmed. i -Colonel Gourn and two battalions have reached Elkunitra. General Brulard's column, which ifl escorting a convoy of 2400 camels, comprises 3500 men, including natives. : The French advance is having an inspiring effect on Fez and among the Government troops. I BERLIN, May 11. I Britain and Russia have reassured Germany regarding France's action in Morocco. I TANGIER, May 9. The Berbers are negotiating with tha inhabitants of Fez regarding a rising within the city. ' The sole difficulty is the safety of Europeans. All parties desire to avoid injuring them. An armistice has been suggested to enable the foreigners to escape. Major Bremond's soldiers show signs oi insubordination. May 10. Thousands of ,Kabyles attacked the French (General Monier's) camp at Bel- ' arosi, three kilometres from Salee. | Although met with heavy rifle fire and artillery fire, the natives renewed their attack three times, but' finally retreated ; towards Salee, whence a French detach- ' ment opened fire. | After a desperate resistance the Kabyles . retreated, losing 30 killed and many [ wounded. ' It is reported that the troops now at Fez made a sortie and beat the rebels, also that the stronghold of Majala Faraoi, three miles to the south-west, was captured. J May 11. J After the defeat outside Fez the rebels left 80 dead.

May 12

The inhabitants of old Fez have urged the Sultan to abdicate in favour of Mulai Elzin.

The latter has issued a proclamation in which he urges the Gharb tribe to join him against Mulai Hand. He accuses the latter of selling country to the French. General Dabiez, commanding the Algerian Field Brigade, is traversing Rabat with 1500 men. He is bound for Elkumimara.

May 15. The revolting tribes, in a manifesto

bo the natives, state that they have no desire to harm the Christians or Europeans, and they only wish to depose the Sultan, who is a brutal tyrant, who cuts off his victims' hands and plunges tho stumps into boiling water, causes their tongues to be cut out, gouges out their eyes and draws their teeth, and throws men into the den 3 of wild beasto.