MOROCCAN CONFLICT

Evening Star, Issue 19063, 5 October 1925, Page 5

MOROCCAN CONFLICT

SPANISH SUCCESSES RIFF STRONGHOLD CAPTURED OCCUPATION OF AJDIR. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. MADRID, October 3. After a careful reconnaissance the Spaniards entered Ajdir, and occupied a number of other positions, and disdodged the enemy, who abandoned a largo quantity of material. The Riffs’ losses were considerable. An earlier message states that the town was bombarded-, 'and is in flames. Nearly the whole of the population has left. ■ There was great rejoicing in Madrid, King Alfonso appeared at a window of the palace, and received a tremendous ovation.—Reuter.

ABDEL KRIM’S PLIGHT. DRIVEN TO THE MOUNTAINS. MADRID, October 3. The newspapers are ecstatic over the capture of Abdel Krim’s stronghold. They declare that lie _is now cut oft from the sea and the fertile lands surrounding Ajdir from the Guis to the Nekor Rivers, and will be compelled to take refuge in the mountain fastnesses, where ho will lead a precarious existence, having more reason to fear his allies than his enemies. The Spaniards have already emplaced long range gnus on Ralnma Ridge, and are building an aerodrome near Morro Nuevo. —Reuter. KING ALFONSO INTER,VIEWED. WHITE RACES MUST CONQUER. LONDON, October 3. A ‘Daily Express’ correspondent achieved a unique and picturesque interview with King Alfonso, who, seated in the golden drawing rooh in the palace ai j.uadncl, discussed the all-absorb-ing question of the Moroccan war. “Spain,” His Majesty declared, “is shouldering the white man’s burden, and the result of the present conflict will be of the most vital importance to Christian civilisation. Tho value of Spain’s sacrifices is under-estimated by the Great Powers. Morocco is the key ti the country of Islam, and the eyes of the entire Eastern world arc focussed eagerly upon the efforts of Abdel Krim to conquer the two western races engaged in the struggle against him.” Smiling a little wryly, King Alfonso added; “Tho European Rowers have more than enough of their own troubles, and tho fact that the Spanish war is not a novelty tends to depreciate active interest in what is really an in-ter-racial question. It is, however, most urgent for Great Britain and Italy. Even Franco bad not fully realised the magnitude of the trouble until recently. The ultimate issue is nothing more or less than a question of life and death. Abdel Krim must be beaten at all costs. It would be suicidal for tho white race to give in, for within a. day the whole of North Africa would bo ablaze, and England’s troubles in her Moslem possessions would bo increased a hundredfold. It is doubtful whether or not the world realises that Spain is fighting for the security of tho white race at a terrible cost to herself. So far, her efforts have met with little recognition, and small sympathy or gratitude.” The King seemed to think that Spain bad been the victim of unreasoning prejudice in connection with the war. Tho interviewer was surprised at the marvellous grip King Alfonso bad of every detail of the Moroccan situation, and bis grim determination that the whites must conquer.-—A. and N.Z. Cable. M. RAINLEVE ENTRAINS. FRENCH ZONE INVADED.

PARIS, October 3. Referring to Morocco, ,M. Painleve (Prime Alinister) declared that the French zone had been brutally invaded, but France, though loyal to the accord with Spain, would he most generous to the Hill's, who had been promised complete autonomy within the limits of the Iron lies. Tho grant of complete independence would merely reopen a dangerous question. Morocco, as a European problem, would make the Riff a happy hunting ground for international adventurers. He road the Fra neo-Spanish agreement, signed on duly 8, 1025, which was communicated to Abdel Ivrim, guaranteeing autonomy and offering to negotiate on the basis of mutual amnesty, the deLiminatinn of boundaries, tho appointment of a police force, the prohibition in tho traffic in arms, a demarcation of the sector on the coast to be occupied by Spain. M. Painleve said Abdel Klim’s agents refused to consider those terms. They insisted on absolute independence. This necessitated joint Francn-Spaufsh action.—Reuter. TAKING OF AJDIR DESCRIBED. ABDEL KRIM'S HEADQUARTERS. MADRID, October 4. (Received October 5, at 5.25 a.m.) A special despatch describing tho final Spanish advance on Ajdir says that when Setlnm Mountain, overlooking Ajdir, was carried, after severe fighting, the Riffs lost heart, and were seen fleeing with their families and herds into the interior. The Spaniards’ first act on entering Ajdir was to set the town on tire. Alidel Krim’s headquarters wore at a modern house equipped with telephones and handsomely furnished, including a writing table covered with newspaper cuttings and documents. A number of oramophoncs wore discovered in tho Houses of other Riff notables. Abdel Krim lied on October 1 with liLs family, servants, and tventy-tivc mules carrying his personal ejects. Engineers began the reburial of the Spanish soldiery who died in captivity, many of whoso resting-places were marked only by bottles with their names inside.

Aeroplanes are now bombing the mountains, whither the Ajtlir refugees have fled,—Reuter.