EXASPERATING RIFF-RAFF

French forces in Morocco, although ably commanded by Marshal Lyantey, are faced with almost certain defeat as they drive the Moorish invaders back across the Riffian border. That is, unless Spain steps into the breach and lends a hand. The Riff was ceded to Spain on the express understanding that she keep the turbulent tribesmen in order; needless to state, she has never succeeded in keeping Abd-el-Krim's hoodlums out of mischief. The French command may not send a shell, man, or plane across the border to destroy the Moorish bases, and it would be a very simple task, without violating the treaty agreement. Similarly, they can not blockade the Spanish ports of Morocco to prevent the steady traffic in arms by which the war is continued.

Unless it is possible to achieve both these operations, the French troops will never be able to put a stop to the harrying of their territory. The Riffi may be driven back to their borders again and again, but never defeated. The humor of the situation, this "Daddy on the Castle" game, is that last autumn Spain had a little mix-up of the same sort and suspected France of supplying arms to the same rebellious natives. Consequently Spain is not tumbling over her self with eagerness to help her neighbor now that the little Mohammedan muckers have turned their bean blowers in the opposite direction.