WAR IN MOROCCO.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1924, Page 5

WAR IN MOROCCO.

BRITISHERS TAKE PART. ANGLO-FRENCH FINANCE. A SENSATIONAL STORY, By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright London, Sept. 25. The Star publishes a sensational story of the purchase of British submarines and the enlistment of British ex-officers to assist the Riffe against the Spaniards. It states that Abdel Krim, the Riff leader, has been financed for months by a French and British syndicate which lias advanced half a million sterling in exchange for concessions in the Riff country when the Spaniards are expelled, Abdel Krim having conceived the idea of cutting the Spanish sea communications, the syndicate bought for £30,000 two did submarines from a north of England, armament firm in the name of a Middle East Power in order to prevent the British Government’s intervention. Negotiations for the purchase were carried out by a mysterious Riff delegate, who is a Scotsman, a daring professional soldier, and Abdel Krim’s adviser throughout the Spanish war. He speaks Arabic like a native. He fought in France with the Scots Gray* and is now staying at a West End hotel.

Another Riff delegate is a British ex-naval officer who, by offering 30s a day and a big gratuity when the war ended, enlisted submarine crews from among unemployed ex-naval officers who are ready for anything provided the money is good and the job exciting. Abdel Krim also obtained a number of machine-guns and aeroplanes manned by British ex-officers and ex-pilots.