Written by Abdelkrim Hajji (age 19) and Saïd Hajji (age 17)
London, August 18, 1929
To the Eminent Chief, Illustrious Commander and Dedicated Patriot Abdelkrim Al Khattabi,
We have the distinct honor to introduce ourselves to your Excellence. We are two young Moroccans who are in London to study and learn for the betterment of our dear nation. We are doing our best to pursue the struggle that you have led to deliver our country from the yoke of colonialism. For us it is an honor to personally make your acquaintance in this fashion because, thanks to you, we encounter courtesy and respect in all the liberal circles in Great Britain. Wherever we went, we observed that your name is always linked with our dear nation. Many know your name thanks to your (military) exploits which have stunned the world. The present letter, which we hope will not take too much of your time, is written with the sincerity that we feel towards you.
Glorious Chief, Valiant Hero! You have fought for your nation at a critical time. You have shown the West that victory belongs to (those who are for) justice and what is right. Unfortunately the situation changed. You recognized this when you proclaimed to the Western world that the young of your nation are enchained in servitude. We think with speechless joy about your many victories, hoping that Allah will repeat more of these in our favor.
We send you our most sincere wishes for Mouloud Feast (Birthday of the Prophet) where the celebratory cannon salvos that mark this event each year. They remind us of the period of your attacks against the two great powers aided by their colonialists while victory was your ally. A period during which avidly read the newspapers that heralded your successes over your enemies and ours.
Farewell! Farewell! Long live our liberated nation! May the breath of freedom raise the banner of our dear nation!
Your devoted followers, Abdelkrim Hajji and Said Hajji
235, Regent Street, SW 1, London
Abdelkrim Al Khattabi between two of his lieutenants during the Rif War (1921-1926)
