INSECURE

Southland Times, Issue 19691, 26 October 1925, Page 5

INSECURE

SPANIARDS IN MOROCCO RIFFS INFLICT HEAVY LOSSES CLEVER RUSE SUCCEEDS. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Reuter’s Telegrams.). LONDON, October 23. Reports from Gibraltar indicate that the position of the Spaniards at Melilla and the French on the Eastern front are not so secure as represented in the official accounts. They state that near the junction of the Franco-Spanish forces on the Eastern front the French lost four complete batteries as a result of a determined Riff attack. The position would have been serious but that the Spanish air squadron recaptured three guns.

A Spanish outpost at Alhucemas was attacked by the Riffs dressed in the uniform of Spanish native troops. The garrison of 46 foreign legionaries was holding a concert at the time. They were completely surprised and all were killed with the exception of a lieutenant. The Spanish losses round Alhucemas are reported to be roughly 1000. The Riffs are undoubtedly awaiting a gale which will prevent support from the sea before attacking Alhucemas, where the Spaniards have no second line.