New look at the management of the rescue of the Annual prisoners (1921-1923)

Abstract

In the context of Spanish colonialism in Morocco, between July 22 and August 9, 1921, the tragedy of Annual took place. It meant the loss of all the territory of the General Command of Melilla. The military catastrophe resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries and disappearances. Also, the prisoners captured by the rifeños. Hundreds of soldiers, officers, chiefs, civilians and a general, Felipe Navarro, suffered a captivity that lasted for eighteen months. It seems too long if we consider that the conditions for his release were known very soon: 4,300,000 pesetas. Why weren't they rescued earlier? There are three main reasons: the dignity of the uniform, the refusal to negotiate with a "rebel" in order not to enhance his image and avoid the extension of the insurrection and the fear that the ransom will be used to acquire weapons. It was finally the last Government of the Restoration, which, overcoming the obstacles, freed the captives. Africanist militarism did not forgive him. The analysis of the archive documentation reveals the weakness of a sick political system, with restrained executive power, and the high military commanders, pampered for years by the throne and the dynastic parties, imposing their criteria. The management of the problem demonstrates, finally, the complexity that characterizes human affairs and relationships.