Events proved that the French formed exaggerated hopes in the
first instance of the negotiations which were opened with the tribes near Casa Blanca. On Saturday last General Drude considered it necessary to make another attack on the Arab camp, and he carried it out with complete success. The Arabs were concentrated at Sid Ibrahim, about ten Miles from Casa Blanca. The French advanced in the early morning in two squares, from the second of which General Drude commanded. The Arab camp was burnt at 9.30, and the village a mile beyond the camp was also burnt. The Arabs showed their usual courage; but the special corre- spondent of the Times thought their élan much reduced since the action at Teddert. The French losses were two men killed .and one officer and seven men wounded. This action produced a definite result, for the three tribes of the Shawai, which have suffered most in the recent fighting, sent delegates to Casa Blanca on Sunday last, and through them accepted the French terms. Refugees were reported by the Times correspondent to be streaming into the town. Later four other tribes surrendered, and it is hoped that still more will follow their example. The prospects of the rival Sultans are very obscure. Mulai Hafid has been proclaimed at Mogador, and the whole of Southern Morocoo, according to the
Tangier correspondent of the Times, now acknowledges' him as Sultan. But whether he can command enough money and ammunition to prosecute his cause is doubtful. He has sent a courteous letter to the French authorities offering good government if they will recognise his claim to the throne. The French naturally do not see that there is yet sufficient reason for withdrawing their support from Alxl-ul-Aziz, who has . undoubtedly improved his position by his arrival at Rabat.
