THE MELILLA DISASTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16905, 2 December 1922, Page 12

THE MELILLA DISASTER.

FUTILE SPANISH DEBATE. By Telegraph—Pre*s Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON. November 30. The “ Daily Telegraph’s ” Aladntl correspondent states that the debate on the responsibility for the ATelili.i disaster is likely to be without result. Senor Atenio, representing the strongest intellectual forces in Spain, and a neutral in politics, lias decided to organise demonstrations throughout the country, demanding the punishment of those responsible for the disaster. The movement is daily gaining ground. A previous cable stated that the Chamber of Deputies was crowded to hear General Picasso’s report dealing with the debacle at Meliila in July, 3921, when 19.000 Spanish soldiers were slaughtered Senor Prieto, in opening the debate, said that the disaster would have produced a revol ition in any other nation. Blame was attributable to every politician win embroiled himself with Morocco. Amazing corruption had infected all branches of the military service in the Spanish zone. Several army chiefs had acquired immense fortunes in Africa-, and speculation had assumed such vast proportions that the majority of officers used their positions to enrich themselves. They had to look for the chief culprits in Madrid. Senor Prieto accused not only the War Alinister an I Foreign Secretary, but the whole Gov. eminent. His indictment created o sensation.