RIFFS NOT DONE YET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19438, 26 October 1925, Page 8

RIFFS NOT DONE YET

DISCONCERTING REPORTS ALLIED POSITIONS INSECURE RIFFS AWAIT GALES LONDON, Oct. 23. Reports from Gibraltar indicate that the position of tho Spaniards at Melilla and tho French on the eastern front are not so secure as represented 5n the official accounts. They state that near the junction of the French and Spanish forces on the eastern front the French lost four complete batteries as the result of a determined Riff attack. The position would have been serious but that a Spanish air squadron recaptured three of the guns. A Spanish outpost at Alhucemas was atacked by Riffs dressed in the uniform of Spanish native troops. The garrison of 46 foreign legionaires were holding a concert at the time and they were completely surprised. 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 the Levanter gales, which will prevent support from the sea, before attacking Alhucemas, where the Spaniards have no second line.