17 OCTOBER 1925, Page 17

THE TERMS OFFERED TO THE RIFFIS

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

SIR,-M. Painleve has now published the terms of peace offered to Muhammed Ben Abd-el Krim last July. To a certain number of people they may appear to be generous, but a little examination of the details will reveal their unsatis- factory and illusory character. Under " a definition of the precise regime of administrative autonomy to be established," France and Spain have deliberately refused to guarantee any form of autonomy before the cessation of hostilities.

The appointment of a police force for the Riff is in conflict with the principle of administrative and political autonomy. Snares and pitfalls arc concealed in another offer—that of " commercial liberty to be recognised within the limits of international treaties." According to " international treaties " the mineral wealth of Morocco belongs to the Sultan, and the chief commercial asset of the Riff would therefore be out of its control. The Riff soil has never belonged to the Sultan of Morocco. When the Riff: accepted Islam, the soil was not expropriated. They had not been conquered, and they retained their right of possession. Terms thus offered may appear to the uninitiated as generous, but they were drawn up with the usual European diplomatic subtlety, and they will not receive serious consideration by the Riffi.—I am, Sir, &c.,

19 Cadogan Square, S.W. 1. Riff Committee. R. GORDON CANNING,