FUTURE STATUS OF “LITTLE RIFFS.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 2 June 1926, Page 9

FUTURE STATUS OF “LITTLE RIFFS.”

krim’s Appeal To France.

INTENSE HATRED OP SPANIARDS

By Cable* -Press Association —Copyright. Australian, and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received June 1, 7.15 p.m.) ONDON, June 1. ' The question of Abd-el-Krim’s future is exciting interest. Krim himself says he asks only one thing —not to be handed over to the Spaniards.

In an exclusive interview with the British United Press, Krim said. “I would have accepted the terms offered by the Oudga Conference, but my followers refused to accept the Spanish yoke, when I promised independence. I knew the troops of Little Riff were no match for the combined forces of Spain and France. I wanted to be killed in the last battle against the Spaniards, for whom I have only hatred. We would" have fought them to the last man, but against the French it is another matter. I have full confidence that France will give the Riffs a status as a country they deserve, and for this reason I have put myself and family in their hands.”

FATE OF KRIM

CLAIMED BY THE SPANIARDS,

By Cable —Press Association —Copvrlgnt. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, May 31.

Reuters’ Tangier the Spaniards claim that Abd-01-Krim, who arrived at 'l'aza yesterday, is their prisoner, because eighteen Spanisn officer prisoners are not accounted for and also because Abd-el-Krim started the war against Spain before fighting the French.

The Spanish prisoners are in a pitiable condition, and are very bitter on the subject of their treatment. French prisoners were better treated, A mournful cavalcade of over 200 miles, staggering under the burden of Abd-el-Krim’s wives and personal belongings, wended its way along the dusty, mountainous roads at Taza. It completed the journey much in excess of scheduled time, owing to the tribes’ refusal to assist.

The transport loaders oif the goods procession on route 'humiliatingly endured the gaze of the onoe loyal villagers, scarcely concealing their contempt for their former all powerful chief. Krim informed “he Journal” that he would have made peace with France before, and also liberated the prisoners, but could not accede to France’s demand to release the Spaniards. He emphasised that he was defeated by France, not bv Spain. “I only ask that I shall not be handed over to the Spanish authorities, and that tho family and suite shall not be accused.”

He added: “I alone am responsible, because I alone commanded.”