FRENCH FEARS IN MOROCCO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19040, 10 June 1925, Page 8

FRENCH FEARS IN MOROCCO.

The French command in Morocco is said to be convinced that the attacks of Riff tribesmen from the Spanish zone are only part of v a movement to gain control of all the North African Colonies at present under European administration. An appeal by Abd el Krim to all. the Moslem tribes to rise is expected if his present offensive succeeds. The possibility is there. Toward the end of last year France was disturbed ab6ut a movement developing in the neighbouring colony of Tunisia. The Young Tunisians were accused of intriguing-to gain control of the entire French territory in Africa. At the same time, it is not always safe to assume that the common bond of religion can with certainty unite all the tribes who follow the Prophet. They have their sects, their differences and their jealousies. A strong leader might call a great host to his banner, but on the evidence of past history he would need to be a great soldier, a man of austere life, irreproachable in the practice of the faith, and above all free from any tincture of Westernism. Abd el Krim, from current descriptions, does not fulfil the conditions. No other potential leader has been mentioned. The incursion of the Riffs 'into French territory has gained greater proportions than was at first expected. It was described at the outset as a series of predatory raids, with the second motive of stirring up unrest among the people. Since then the French have had to fight harder than more raids would necessitate. It is evident that Abd el Krim must not be under-rated as an organiser. The chief possibility in the situation springs from the fact that any community such as that to be found in all the African colonies contains a certain proportion of inflammable material: Nothing would be more likely to set it ablaze than a signal success won against France and Spain combined by the Riffs. That is all that -can be said on present evidence. The need is for watchfulness and care—by Britain as a great Moslem Power, as well as other nations—lest the developments said to be feared by the French authorities should really come to pass as a consequence of the persistent and determined assaults of the Riffs on ' European authority.