POWERS AND THE RIFFS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19140, 5 October 1925, Page 9

POWERS AND THE RIFFS.

WHITE MAN'S BURDEN.

SPAIN BEARING BRUNT.

KING ALFONSO'S OUTLOOK. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.2. LONDON. Oct. 3. A representative of the Daily Express has succeeded in obtaining a unique and picturesque interview with King Alfonso of Spain.

Seated in the golden drawing room at the palace in Madrid, Alfonso discussed the all-absorbing question of the Moroccan war. "Spain," he said, "is shouldering the white man's burden. The result of the present conflict is of the most vital importance to Christian civilisation.

" The value of Spain's sacrifices are under-estimated by the great Powers. Morocco is the key country of Islam, and 'the eyes of the entire Eastern world are focussed eagerly on the efforts of Abd el Krim to conquer the two Western races which are engaged in the struggle against him." Smiling a little wryly, Alfonso added; "The European Powers have more than enough of their own troubles, and the fact that a Spanish war is no novelty tends to depreciate active interest in what is really an inter-racial question. It is, however, most urgent for Britain and Italy.

"Even France did not fully realise the magnitude of the question until recently. The ultimate issue is no more and no less than a question of life and death. "Abd el Krim must be beaten at all costs. It would be suicidal for the white races to give in. Should they do so, within a day the whole of North Africa would be ablaze and England's troubles in her Moslem possessions would bo increased a hundredfold.

"Whether or not the world realises it, Spain is fighting for the security of the white race at a terrible cost to herself. So far her efforts have met with little recognition and small sympathy."

The King seemed to think that Spain was the victim of unreasoning prejudice in connection with the war. The interviewer was surprised at his marvellous grip of every detail regarding Morocco and his grim determination that the whites must conquer.