Episode 82: The First Peace Negotiations and the Treaty of Adyaz

A graphic illustration of the Spanish Civilian High Commissioner, Luis Silvela, rendered in black and white on a clean white plaque. Below his portrait, the text reads in Arabic, "المقيم العام المدني سالبيلا", followed by the English translation underneath, "CIVILIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER SALBILA".

Spanish Civilian High Commissioner Luis Silvela

Episode 82: The First Peace Negotiations and the Treaty of Adyaz

I. Introduction and Preliminary Gatherings

In the turbulent landscape of Northern Morocco, the protracted confrontation between the local tribal forces and the Spanish Protectorate reached a critical juncture in September 1922. Both sides found themselves constrained by severe geopolitical, economic, and logistical burdens. After years of continuous warfare, encirclement, and strategic standoffs, official diplomatic channels were opened to negotiate a formal cessation of hostilities.

On September 1, 1922, an official meeting was arranged between the high delegation of the Spanish High Commission and the appointed representatives of the Sharif, Leader Moulay Ahmed al-Raisuni. This historical meeting took place in the village of Adyaz and continued through September 27, 1922.

The composition of both diplomatic bodies reflected the gravity of the negotiations:

The Spanish Delegation

Colonel Castro Girona: A senior commander representing the military and diplomatic authority of the High Commission.
Socas-Castillo (Translator): The official translator, formerly the Spanish consul in Larache. Sharif al-Raisuni held him in exceptionally high regard, publicly praising his character, affability, deep integrity, and thorough understanding of local customs.
Captain Tayyib Sardira (Translator): Serving as co-interpreter and diplomatic aide to the Spanish delegation.

The Mountain Delegation (Representing El Raisuni)

Moulay al-Sadiq al-Raisuni: The cousin of Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni, acting as a primary diplomatic representative.
Al-Qaid Abdul-Salam Ibn Dakkun (Ould al-Far al-Khamisi): A prominent military commander and key advisor within the Mountain movement.
Al-Qaid Si Ahmed al-Tuwaylib al-Hawzi: A trusted tribal leader representing the Hawz region.
Al-Qaid Sharif Si al-Arbi Ibn Halima al-Yadri: A respected chieftain representing the Jabala tribal alliances.

II. Demands of the Mountain Revolution and Initial Friction

During the sessions at Adyaz, the delegation representing Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni and the Mountain Revolution set forth precise, uncompromising conditions for reaching a peaceful settlement with the Spanish authorities. These conditions aimed to preserve regional sovereignty, secure economic restitution, and ensure the safety of the local population.

The Primary Terms Presented by El Raisuni's Delegation:

Complete Troop Withdrawal: The immediate and total withdrawal of all Spanish occupying armies from all rural and tribal centers in the Jebala region. The forces were required to retreat completely to their primary urban coastal bases as an essential first phase toward a full evacuation from all Moroccan territory.
Financial Compensation for War Damages: The Spanish Protectorate was required to pay an indemnity sum estimated at one million five hundred thousand (1,500,000) Spanish pesetas to compensate the local population and fighters for the extensive destruction caused by military operations.
Autonomous Regional Governance: The fundamental right of regional administration was to remain under the direct authority of Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni, who stipulated that his official headquarters must remain located in the mountain stronghold of Tazarout.

The Point of Contention: The Location of Leadership

While the Spanish delegation expressed willingness to accept several of the preliminary demands, a major impasse arose regarding the seat of governance:

The Spanish High Commission insisted that Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni must relocate his primary residence and command headquarters to the city of Tetouan.
El Raisuni adamantly rejected this proposal, refusing to leave Tazarout. He counter-proposed that his headquarters remain permanently in Tazarout, while offering to delegate administrative duties in Tetouan to his son, Khalid.

Because neither party was willing to compromise on this location clause, the initial draft agreement was signed only on preliminary terms (the initialing of the first letters), leaving the final ratification suspended. The delegates agreed to postpone final approval until a direct, high-level meeting could take place between the Spanish High Commissioner and Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni.

The Spanish representatives suggested holding this summit in the city of Asilah. However, Sharif al-Raisuni declined due to the long travel distance and his deteriorating health, which prevented him from undertaking such a journey. Consequently, both parties agreed that the final signature ceremony would take place at a mutually accessible location: the sacred shrine of the pious saint, Sidi al-Hajj Sidi Mussa, situated a short distance of a few miles from Tazarout.

III. The General Congress at Jabal Abi Hashim

Faced with the suspended treaty and the worsening socio-economic situation across the Jebala territory, Sharif Moulay Ahmed al-Raisuni summoned a comprehensive general congress at his headquarters in Jabal Abi Hashim. This assembly brought together the highest military leaders, tribal qaids, and distinguished religious scholars (Ulema) to deliberate on the current crisis, assess the viability of continued warfare, and decide on the proposed truce terms.

Assessment of the Military and Humanitarian Situation

During the congress, Al-Qaid Abdul-Salam Ibn Dakkun (Ould al-Far) presented a detailed and somber report detailing the state of the Mountain Revolution and the condition of the tribes:

Exhaustion of Resources: The food stores and grain reserves across the mountain villages were completely depleted. The civilian population was experiencing severe hunger and famine.
Agricultural Paralysis: For four consecutive years, local farmers had been unable to till or cultivate their agricultural lands due to continuous military mobilization, bombardment, and encirclement. The populace had been forced to bear arms without pause in defense of national liberation.
Severe Blockade: The Spanish forces had established a tight economic and military siege around the Mujahideen strongholds, severing all vital supply lines and trade routes. This blockade left the population in the high peaks of the mountains facing severe starvation, extreme exposure to cold weather, and extreme deprivation.

Following this presentation, the revered scholar Badr al-Din al-Aghzawi, speaking on behalf of the assembled religious scholars, formally endorsed the report submitted by Al-Qaid Ould al-Far. The scholars agreed that the severe suffering of the civilian population justified reaching a temporary, honorable agreement to prevent total disaster.

Resolutions Adopted by the Congress

After extensive discussions, the assembly officially ratified five strategic resolutions:

Pursuit of Comprehensive Evacuation: Reaffirming the demand for a total Spanish withdrawal from all occupied mountain territory, including key regions such as Chefchaouen, the Ghomara mountains, Wadi Laou, and surrounding areas, ensuring the total elimination of foreign military presence in Northern Morocco.
Coordination with the Rif Movement: Establishing formal communication and diplomatic contact with the leadership of the Rif Revolution to coordinate joint national actions and align strategies against the colonial power.
Dispatching a Military Mission: Sending a specialized military delegation to the headquarters of the Rif Revolution to evaluate joint defense capabilities and explore options for mutual military support and supply sharing.
Resumption of Delegated Negotiations: Authorizing a delegation to meet with the Spanish High Commission to finalized the terms of the truce as drafted at Adyaz.
Retention of Local Authority: Explicitly declaring that Sharif Moulay Ahmed al-Raisuni would remain the recognized sovereign ruler of the mountain tribes, maintaining his residence in Tazarout without relocating to Tetouan.

IV. Diplomatic Interchanges: The Message to Abd el-Krim al-Khattabi

Following the decisions of the Jabal Abi Hashim Congress, Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni dispatched two official diplomatic envoys:

The first delegation was sent to Tetouan to continue discussions with the Spanish High Commission. It comprised Moulay Ali al-Raisuni, Al-Qaid Si Ahmed al-Tuwaylib al-Hawzi, and Al-Qaid Si al-Arbi Ibn Halima al-Yadri.
The second delegation was sent directly to the Rif region to meet with the leader of the Rif Revolution, Amir Muhammad ibn Abd el-Krim al-Khattabi.

Members of the Envoys Sent to Abd el-Krim:

Al-Qaid Ould al-Far (Abdul-Salam Ibn Dakkun al-Khamisi)
Al-Qaid Khmar
Al-Qaid Ahmed al-Kharroq (Mad'u Zaza)
Al-Qaid Qasim bin Mussa al-Khamisi
Al-Qaid al-Yazid bin Salah al-Zarayni
Al-Qaid Ahmed al-Rassuq al-Hassani
Al-Qaid Muhammad al-Bou'asi al-Khamisi
Al-Faqih Si Ahmed al-Jalidi
Al-Sharif Sidi Abdul-Rahman bin al-Qasiriya al-Raisuni

(Note: The narrative highlights the background of Al-Faqih Si Ahmed al-Jalidi, a respected scholar from the Bani 'Aros tribe, known for his firm adherence to religious principles, courage, and resilience during repeated imprisonments).

Text and Substance of El Raisuni’s Letter to Abd el-Krim

In his historic letter to Abd el-Krim al-Khattabi, Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni outlined the compelling historical and humanitarian factors that led him to seek a truce with Spain:

"Praise be to God alone... To the honorable, faithful friend, Mr. Muhammad bin Abd el-Krim al-Khattabi, peace and blessings of God be upon you. We have received your letter in which you request us to break the truce we concluded with the Spaniards, wherein you ask us to enter into war alongside you so that the Muslims may find relief from the fatigue of battle...

We wish to inform you that we no longer possess financial strength, military supplies, or men to continue this war. During this long period, we found no supporter or helper except God Almighty. You have seen how our homes were destroyed and how we were driven into harsh mountain peaks where life is barely sustainable amidst freezing snow, heavy rain, and harsh winter conditions.

We did not consent to this reconciliation until we were certain of imminent destruction. We were no longer capable of resisting their overwhelming power. All our days of war were driven by necessity, not choice... How can small, weak tribes with no fertile agricultural land or manufactured exports sustain an endless war?

Your situation in the Rif differs from ours; your regions have direct lines of support and trade, whereas our mountain tribes have been completely cut off. France has closed the southern borders, and Spain blockades us from the north, air, and sea. Furthermore, the enemy possesses modern air power, heavy artillery, and trained troops...

Therefore, if your intention is truly for the sake of God, listen to my advice and accept this peace so that the Muslims may rest and recover from this grinding war, which has lasted between us and the Spaniards for over fifteen years. Your influence in the Rif will remain intact until God provides a way out."

— Sharif Moulay Ahmed al-Raisuni

(Written at Tazarout, 20 Rabi' al-Awwal 1342 AH / October 26, 1923)

Abd el-Krim’s Response

Upon receiving the letter and conferring with El Raisuni’s envoys, Abd el-Krim al-Khattabi maintained his position. He firmly rejected the concept of a truce or peace treaty with the Spanish forces, reiterating his determination to pursue full military resistance until complete independence was achieved.

V. Siege Conditions and Spanish Political Instability

While diplomatic efforts were taking place, the military situation on the ground remained tense. Despite the ongoing peace talks, local tribal fighters continued to engage Spanish positions, intercepting supply convoys destined for isolated mountain garrisons.

The Guerrilla Siege and the Aviation Crutch

Blockade of Outposts: Moroccan Mujahideen maintained tight sieges around Spanish fortifications in the high peaks. Spanish troops suffered from severe cold, hunger, and acute water shortages.
Aviation Supply Drops: Due to the danger of ground supply routes, the Spanish High Commission was forced to rely heavily on aircraft to drop food, water, and ammunition to their stranded troops. Strong mountain winds frequently blew these air-dropped crates off course, causing them to land near Moroccan defensive lines where local fighters gathered them.
Water Blockades: Local fighters systematically cut off water channels leading to Spanish outposts. Spanish soldiers were forced to rely on melted snow mixed with flour for survival, with many dying of thirst and starvation while attempting to reach water sources under constant fire.

Rapid Turnover of Spanish High Commissioners

The inability to decisively defeat El Raisuni’s forces or secure immediate stability caused severe political upheaval within the Spanish administration in Tetouan. Within an eighteen-month period, four different High Commissioners struggled to resolve the conflict:

General Burguete: Initiated the initial negotiations at Adyaz but was recalled after failing to bring a swift end to the conflict.
Luis Silvela: Appointed as a civilian High Commissioner on January 1, 1923, with the expectation that civil governance would achieve peace. However, unable to resolve the stalemate or relieve the sixty thousand (60,000) Spanish troops trapped under siege in the mountains of Bani 'Aros, Chefchaouen, and surrounding areas, he submitted his resignation, which was accepted on September 1, 1923.
General Aizpuru: Appointed on September 13, 1923. Recognizing the critical state of the army, he immediately prioritized bringing the pending negotiations with Sharif al-Raisuni to a conclusion.

VI. Final Ratification of the Treaty and Historical Background

Upon assuming office, General Aizpuru moved quickly to finalize the suspended treaty. The terms were formally settled and signed at the sanctuary of Sidi al-Hajj Sidi Mussa bin Mashish.

Core Terms of the Final Settlement:

Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni was granted official recognition and autonomy over his traditional mountain domains, maintaining his headquarters at Tazarout.
El Raisuni agreed to delegate local civil and military leadership over the western tribal front to his son, Khalid, who was recognized as the governor (Hakim) over those tribes.
The agreement was formally finalized in late October 1923 (Rabi' al-Awwal 1342 AH), coinciding with the death of the Sultan's representative (Khalifa) in Tetouan, Moulay al-Mahdi (who passed away on October 24, 1923).

Historical Context: El Raisuni and the Protectorate Framework

The text provides historical context regarding El Raisuni’s long-standing status and his complex relationship with early Spanish authorities, particularly Colonel Silvestre and General Alfau:

Historical Position: Since 1912, Sharif Ahmed al-Raisuni considered himself the legitimate representative of the Moroccan central government (al-Makhzan) in the northwestern region, operating under official royal decrees (Zahir) issued during the reign of Sultan Moulay Abdelhafid (specifically dating back to 1326 AH).
The Role of General Alfau and Colonel Silvestre: Contrary to later colonial narratives, the original proposal to appoint El Raisuni as the official representative (Khalifa) of the Sultan in Northern Morocco was suggested by General Alfau (the first Spanish High Commissioner in Tetouan) on April 5, 1912.
Silvestre’s Opposition: Although Colonel Silvestre initially supported the idea, he quickly turned into a fierce opponent of El Raisuni. Silvestre viewed El Raisuni's strong personality and local authority as an obstacle to complete Spanish control, leading to continuous political friction, military clashes, and diplomatic intrigue that lasted for over a decade.
French Diplomatic Interference: France also opposed El Raisuni’s appointment as overall regional governor, citing international agreements from the Algeciras Conference and alleging that El Raisuni would incite wider resistance against European influence across Morocco.

VII. Summary of Episode 82 Key Takeaways
The Negotiations at Adyaz (Sept 1922): Set the baseline demands for the Mountain Revolution, including troop withdrawal, war reparations (1.5M pesetas), and regional autonomy centered at Tazarout.
Humanitarian & Economic Pressures: Four years of severe blockade, agricultural paralysis, and famine forced El Raisuni and his scholars at Jabal Abi Hashim to seek a tactical truce.Strategic Divergence: El Raisuni's diplomatic letter to Abd el-Krim highlighted the differing geopolitical realities between the isolated Jebala mountains and the Rif region, though Abd el-Krim ultimately rejected the peace initiative.Spanish Political Crisis: Heavy losses, supply line blockades, and siege conditions forced rapid resignations among Spanish High Commissioners (Burguete, Silvela) until General Aizpuru signed the finalized treaty in late 1923.

To be continued in Episode 83...

Stay tuned as we explore the aftermath of the Treaty of Adyaz, the shifting dynamics between the Mountain tribes and the Rif, and the next decisive turns in Moulay Ahmed al-Raisuni's historic saga.

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