The situation in Morocco is very uncertain. There seems no
doubt that the Spanish army has succeeded. in extricating itself from the mountains and defiles of the Riff, and establishing itself on a new, shorter line covering Tetuan. But it is persistently reported that it lost very heavily in the process ; rumour puts the casualties as high as 20,000. Also, there are reports of tribal risings behind the new line. Thus-the position is still one of great difficulty. It is said, however, that Spain has 120,000 men in Morocco to-day, and if she cannot hold the short line which, she has now established with that number, it seems impossible that she can hold anything ! A further adverse development in the situation might have far-reaching reactions in two directions. First, another Moroccan disaster would almost certainly mean the end of the Directory inSpain. For many months things seem to have been going from bad to worse, and a serious disaster would probably be the signal. for Republican uprisings and also—w.hich would be much more serious—for the outbreak of a Cata- lonian Separatist movement.
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