SPAIN: In Morocco

News from Spanish Morocco, which Professor Unamuno dubbed “The tomb of the Habsburg-Bourbon dynasty” (TIME, Aug. 25), continued appropriately to be grave.

The situation was said to be more serious than at any time since the Melilla disaster of 1921. Beni Hassan and Beni Said tribes combined in attacking the Spanish forces and were joined by numerous tribesmen from hitherto friendly groups. A column of Moorish auxiliaries and Foreign Legion troops under the command of General Riquelme was defeated with the loss of two officers, killed by hand grenades.

Minor defeats were sustained by several other Spanish forces. The troops of Raisuli, famed bandit now friendly to Spain, were beaten in combat and it was reported that Raisuli, recently appointed Governor of West Morocco, was dead.

At only one point did the Spanish troops score a success. At Afrau they put to flight the Riff rebels, inflicting casualties to the number of 500 with small loss to themselves.

The Spanish General Staff, although admitting the gravity of the situation, expressed itself as able to deal with the Riffs. Reinforcements poured into Morocco from Spain; six columns started an offensive.