SPAIN AND MOROCCO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2624, 5 October 1909, Page 5

SPAIN AND MOROCCO.

FURTHER SPANISH REINFORCEMENTS. United Press Association —Copyright. (Received October 4, 11.55 p.m.) MADRID, October 4. The Infante Carlos has sailed for Alelilla to head his cavalry brigade. General Marina has asked for, and will shortly receive, another division of reinforcements. GERMANY AND THE SPANISH POLICY. In view of serious mis-statements which appear to have been copied from the German press by certain Spanish journals. M. Andre Alevil, in the “Echo de Paris,” published in July, a denial that at any time negotiations have taken place between Spain and other Powers, in particular France, Great Britain, and Germany, with the object of obtaining the sanction of the latter to a Spanish conquest of the country of the Riffs. On the contrary, France has been informed by the Spanish Government that the military operations in the Melilla district are not designed as a prelude to the occupation of the Riff. It is pointed out that, in accordance with the Algeciras Act the Powers have consistently recognised the secular rights of Spain in the Alelilla region. At no time has there been any question of negotiations until a viewto a Spanish occupation of the Rift. The insinuation made in German journals that French influence is responsible for the interprise upon which Spain has embarked is described as baseless and absurd. It is only recently that the French Foreign Alinister, M. Pichon, was informed by the Spanish Charge d’Affaires that his Government proposed to administer a lesson to the Riffs in consequence of the murder of Spanish workmen ingaged in the construction of the railway line to the Beni Bu Ifru mines. In the interests of civilisation and in view' of the friendly character of the relations between France and Spain, the French Government, together with the press and the public, were unanimous in hoping that this chastisement would be as severe as it is merited.