20 SEPTEMBER 1924, Page 2

* * * All friends of Spain will welcome the

news that the Directory has had the moral courage to open negotiations with the Riff tribes in Morocco. The intention evidently is to cut the loss and considerably reduce the Spanish zone in Morocco. The Riff eader, Abd-el-Krim, will, however, try to exact much more disagreeable terms than Spain is contemplating. It is interesting to hear that the Riffians propose to set up for themselves a con- stitutional monarchy instead of the republic which they projected a year ago. Whatever may happen there are sure to be consequences which will concern all the great Mediterranean Powers.