881.6463/19
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Dawes) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 4.]
Sir: With further reference to my despatch No. 1197, September 10, 1930, concerning the prospective violation of the Act of Algeciras by the Tangier Administration, I have the honor to state that the Foreign Office has reported to me that upon further consideration of the question arising from the contemplated electric light and water concession the attitude of the British Government would appear to coincide entirely with that of the Government of the United States. The Foreign Office did, however, make reference to the possibility that it might be well to consider, purely in the interests of the inhabitants of Tangier, the advisability of granting the electric light and water concession to the Franco-Spanish company, with, of course, all suitable safeguards and no establishment of precedent. The Foreign Office stated that they knew of no outside interests that would be willing to compete with the Franco-Spanish company, since a considerable amount of capital would be required for any new venture, and it is doubtful whether it might be forthcoming without the necessarily lacking Franco-Spanish official support. However, the British Government has taken no position in the matter and is awaiting a note which the Quai d’Orsay is preparing, setting forth the French position and apparently justifying the actions of the French Administrator of the Tangier Zone.
Respectfully yours,
Counselor of Embassy