Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-20
ITALIANS SUPPRESS
REBELS OF SAHARA
Disarming of Forces, Begun
Last June, Continues
Gradually.
anecial correspondence of The star.

Special Correspondence Of The Star
ROME.-Italy's occupation of Chat
in the Sahara plateau. which concluded
that campaign in Fezzen, was but the
first step toward pacifying this much
troubled region. For 16 years this dis
trict had been the headquarters OF the
rebels of the desert.
The rebel leaders, Mohammed Ben
aag Hassam and Abed en- Nebl, mao
escaped across the Algerian frontier,
leaving many of their followers hiding
in the district between Chat and Muir.
zuk. On the east the occupation OF
Chabir and Uau ell Namus forced the
other leaders, the brothers Sef en- Mas
ser. to make toward TibeSti. Suliman.
the Younger brother, with a number of
followers, fed to Mount Haregi. The
immense FeZzan depression was the
hiding place of a number of Arab ma
RAIDERS who preyed on the Bedolnnls,
peaceful tillers of the soil.
Rebel Leader Killed.
A thorough search for the rebels was
undertaken by the Zaptie on camels.
They were discovered on Mount Haregl
and a battle ensued. The Arabs lost
their leader, SULLIVAN, and were forced
to surrender The commander or the
GARDENERS from Tropoi now can mo-
Tor from KrZuk to Chat without being
noleSted by Arab rebels.
Chalifa zaula, the chief OF the irregu-
lar troops, co-operated with the Italian
native troops in restoring order ana
clearing the Fezzan of bandits.
In the Sirtica, which has been trou-
blesome district for many years, there
is still much work to be done, as ma
rauding bands still swoop down and
steal sheep and carry off crops. In the
district where the Mogarb population
live under the leadership of Salah el
AleuSi there is tendency on the part OF
tribesmen to submit to the Italian au-
tnorities, who sequestered all sheep and
cattle and camels held by the peaceful
tribesmen. The rebels, fearing they
would lose their possessions, arranged to
transfer them temporarily to friends
among the tribesmen. Gov. Badoglio
learned of this and ordered the seizure
of sheep, cattle and supplies, adding
that they would be returned to their
rightful owners upon their handing over
their guns and ammunition. AS a
Bedouin without a gun is like bird
without wings this drastic measure sue
ceeded.
Disarming Of Rebels Continue.
Disarming of rebel forces began last
June and is continuing gradually. AS
the rebels make peace they have the
alternative of accepting work either on
the roads or the land reclamation.
pie as in this tract, which was once
the stronghold of the great Senussi con-
fraternity. There 80-year-old Omar
Muchtar for 10 years has waged war on
Italy. Guerrilla warfare has become his
specially. He is considered to be man
with a thousand lives. Many time
he has been surrounded, but always has
managed to escape. Last year he sur
rendered, but again has turned rebel.
He and his followers have speclaLzeo
in removing telephone and telegraph
poles from the main routes, cutting on
Communication between outpoSts and
towns Of the sea front. When pur-
suit became too hot he returned 10
raiding. Recently he issued procla-
nation dmanding 1.-THE of 10 per cent
of all crops and sheep. He ordered the
peaceful Arabs to enroll among the 1r-
regular troops and then hand over 70
him the ammunitiof; ana guns when
the Italian authorities would supply.
AS he needs horses he directed to en-
roll in the cavalry. With this procla-
nation he sent letters TO tribal chiefs
who had surrendered, warning them
that diSobedience to his orders would
mean death. Italian authorities threat
ened to impose the same penalty If they
nave any communication Will IiAe ASDeAo'
Tribes Concentrated.
The colonial authorities have con-
centrated the tribes who have submit
ted in three different districts, Baree,
Cyrene and Derna, putting them TO
work under military surveillance. Work
on the roads has continued. and every
effort Is being made to prevent secret
communication between the rebels and
the workers.
Aviation has been of great help in
locating the rebels in hiding close to
the GASES
With Gen. Graziani's order that all
those who provide food, guns, ammuni-
ton, horses or camels to the rebels will
be put to DEATH supplies which the
rebels have been receiving from the
peaceful Bedouins will no longer be OBJ
tainable. Cyranaica now is expected TO
become a prosperous land, as 1t was In
the days Of the Roman Empire.