THE MOROCCAN WAR.

Evening Star, Issue 19063, 5 October 1925, Page 6

THE MOROCCAN WAR.

Tire Spaniards are ecstatically jubilant over the capture of Ajdir, Abdel Krim s capital. If its capture means a speedy end to the war they will bo justified in their transports, hut that might bo too largo an expectation to form. Ihoir latest—one might almost say their lust —military triumph in itself gives no reason for boasting. Ajclir is a mere village within a few miles of the sea. It was never anticipated that, the lauding at Alhucemas once effected, they would have any great difficulty in conquering it. The landing was not easily made, and it is almost certain to have been costly. If, as the French contended, tho capture of Paris would not have caused the European War bo ended in their defeat, tho loss of Ajclir would seem to he of much less importance to Abdel Krim. 1' or tho scat of government of a Moorish cliioftaiu no more is required than a moving tent in which he can hold conferences with his followers. Doubtless tho Pill leader, whose warfare is essentially mobile, will have foreseen tho latest blow to his position—he has had ample time to do so—and laid his plans accordingly. Tho Spanish hope is that ho will now ho cub. off from the sea and from ilia fertile lands that have made the chief sustenance of his troops, and compelled to take refuge in tho mountain fastnesses, where lie will have more reason to fear his allies than his enemies. That is less than a hopo that ho will choose to make peace on the terms of Franco and Spain which ho before rejected. Only a few days ago a statement was reported from tho brother of Abdel Krim that tho Hills could fight on for another year. The fact that the rainy season is now approaching may be expected to confirm them in their militancy, and tho latest French offensive, made for “limited objectives,’' suggests that French plans have been also laid for a resumption of tho war next spring. In his mountain defiles, when he is driven to those, Abdel Krim may he as much a trouble to both, French and Spanish establishments in Morocco as was tho “ Mad Mullah ” to tho British in Somaliland during some twenty years. His greatest danger may .well be, as tho Spanish forecast suggests, from the tribes who are now his allies. Probably it was to keep them employed and ensure their faithfulness to him that his war was made against Franco in addition to Spain—tho worst mistake ever made hy Abdel Krim. Despite Communist efforts to instil it, natural cohesion does not exist between tho native tribes of North Africa.. If it were otherwise the danger which King Alfonso has emphasised for more nations than his own and Franco in the Riffs’ rebellion would he greater than it is. Religious 1 fanaticism might take the place of a I national sentiment in urging them to combine against all foreigners, hut in 1 his ranking as a Mohammedan, very fortunately, Abdel Krim does not enjoy the highest prestige.