Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1926-04-10

natives have brought in colorful ac-
counts of Abd-el-Krim's efforts to
rally the tribesmen for q grand as
sault. Appealing to a gathering of
tribal chiefs at Ktanma, these ma
tives report he dramatically pressed
his hand to his heart and called on
their chiefs to support him in his
effort to win independence for the
Riff or choose another chief to sup
plant him.
Kites and Gomara tribes of Djeballe
bring heavy troop contingents. He
also relieved all the chiefs Of the
Benz Zeroual tribe, according to in
formation reaching the French, and
replaced them with leaders more dis
posed to pursue vigorous war
course.
Calls for Unity Against Christians.
French native agents at Fee re-
port the interception Of the following
appeal circulated by the Rifian chief
in the main towns, of which the au-
thenticity cannot be vouched:
Unite and form rampant against
the Christians. Massacre them
wherever you encounter them. Ha-
rass the enemy every moment. An
unique occasion presents itself and
we must profit by it. Face the holy
war to. defend our religion. for the
sake OF our country. Dare TO die
for ten love OK Allah"
The French authorities evince no
uneasiness over the expected Riffisn
offensive. They assert their line is
greatly strengthened since last year
both by material and men. New de-
'tachments, particularly strong IN ma
chine guns, and feet Of airplanes
are held in reserve positions ready to
go into action the moment q. hostile
attack develops. ~.
Peace Farley Clarifies Situation.
Paris.-While mo undue optimism
is being attached in Paris to the
peace negotiations with Abd-el-Krim,
it Is stated that during the past few
days more tangible and clearer sit
uation has been produced than here
tofore through the intermediary of
some Caids in the subjected zones.
Contradictory reports that the Riff
fan leader is preparing an offensive
and at the same time seeking peace
oaC hSSi PlSvSu hSIc hS bIlOWlnS his
indecision.
The government, however, is de-
termined that while it will continue
the peace negotiations until peace is
obtained or until there is no possible
prospect of success, it also will con-
tinue all necessary preparations
against a new outbreak of hostili-
ties.
Premier BRAND had another long
interview with Governor Steeg today
and with the War Minister, NJ. Paul
Painleve, and it is understood that
alternate peace and war programs
have been definitely agreed upon.
I In Syria, the beginning of the of.
fensive against rebel Druses marks
the failure of all the attempts of the
High Commissioner, Senator De Jou
verel, to reach a peaceful settlement
During the last few months the
French Commissioner has made re
peated peace propositions, all O.
which have been rejected by tn,
Druses, whose continued resistance
has thrown the country into stat
of brigandage.
M. De Jouvenel has now, however
by his agreement with the Turks an,
with the British in Palestine an
: Transjordania, succeeded at least i
/, preventing easy access of supple
} and ammunition to the Druses acros
the land frontiers.
1t is not expected that there wi
be full development of the presen
4 operations before the end of tn
o month.