The independence of Morocco brought Franco upside down: Mohamed V claimed, as part of his new kingdom, the territory of Ifni (south of Agadir, a colony since 1860). First he requested it very elegantly, appealing to the "chivalry and gallant nobility" of Spain, but on November 22, 1957, the Moroccan Liberation Army (ELM) opted for the expeditious route and launched its first attack against the Spanish forces.
The anti-colonialists enjoyed much sympathy, and the Spanish army had to retreat to the capital, Sidi Ifni. That Christmas would be very special for the troops, comforted by the presence of Carmen Sevilla and Gila, special envoys to raise morale. The following year, Franco turned Ifni into one more province, known to peninsulars through stamp issues.
