Riff Rumpus

Tired of fighting the Spaniards, Abd-el-Krim, able, active, alert leader of the Riff Berber tribes, began an onslaught on the French on the south side of that strip of territory over which the Spaniards claim sovereignty and Abd-el-Krim exercises it.

Over a 120-mile front, hordes of Riffians recklessly attacked French native troops. At most points, owing to their open tactics, they were repulsed with heavy losses while the French troops suffered comparatively few casualties. The Riffian chief was presumed to be making a bid to capture the town of Fez. Premier Painleve disavowed all intention of extending operations to conquest of the Riff territory.

The Spanish troops woke up. A feeling of "now's the time" swept over the officers. An offensive was projected against the Riffians who, caught between two fires, must perish or surrender, or so thought the Spanish.