INTRIGUES SHOWN IN DOCUMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17863, 3 June 1926, Page 1

INTRIGUES SHOWN IN DOCUMENTS.

FRENCH GENERAL TRAFFICKED WITH KRIM AGAINST SPAIN. USED PRETEXT TO MAKE WAR WHEN HE FOUND FRANCE WAS ONLY PAWN By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received June 3, IT a.m.) LONDON, June 2. The “Daily News” says that, while it is stated that France possesses documents showing the extent to which European countries, particularly Russia, Germany and Italy, helped Abd-el-Krim, Spain has obtained much more startling documents from Abd-el-Krim’s brother, Si-Mohammed. prior to his surrender. alleging that General Lyautey entered into direct negotiations with Abd-el-Krim which were detrimental to Spain six months before France entered the war, and also that he allowed manufacturers to supply Abd-el-Krim with munitions.

When negotiations broke down. Marshal Lyautey realised that Abd-el-Krim was using France as a pawn, and found a pretext for declaring war. A British officer, formerly employed in the Indian supply transport service, conveyed the letters to political leaders in Madrid. Marshal Lyautey, who commanded the French armies in Morocco in the early part of the F ran co-Spa ni sh offensive last year, was recalled, and was replaced by Marshal Retain, who took charge of operations.