Madrid, Oct. 20.
The newspapers learn from Melilla that the French forces commanded by General Boichut, which had been holding positions at Souk el Tasle® and Sidi Ah Boukrobs, have fallen back on Souk Sebtaniamar in aecordance with instructions. Large enemy bodies had vigorously attacked the French troops, the withdrawal of which was covered by the advance of a Franco-Spanich columa_under Colonel Della. The abandoned posi-were dismantled and all material removed.—Reuter.
Paris, Oct. 21.
French reports confirm the French withdrawal, which is ascribed to the difficulty of bringing up supplies now that the rains have begun.
The reports add that Abdel Krim quickly made capital of the retirement and intensified his propaganda among neighbouring tribesmen.
Reuter's Fez correspondent, however, speaks of successful French operations at other points. Two columns are advancing along the Western front with the object of enveloping the Bibane massif. and punishing the troublesome Wertiagel tribe. The French have occupied a crater in the centre of the front after fighting and marching 12 hours over very difficult country.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.