681.003/133: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom ( Atherton ) to the Secretary of State

27. Embassy’s 13, January 12, 6 [5] p.m.12 concerning Spanish proposal made in London that British extraterritorial rights in Spanish Zone of Morocco be relinquished.

Foreign Office now supplements its previous statement with the following information: The British Ambassador at Madrid reports that he was assured that the above Spanish proposal had no connection whatever with trade negotiations now being conducted in Madrid, and that some time ago the Spanish Government instructed the Spanish Embassy at London to take up the question of extraterritorial rights with the Foreign Office but the instruction had been overlooked by the Spanish Embassy until a few days ago.

The Foreign Office seemed entirely satisfied with the above explanation and no longer holds the opinion mentioned in the last paragraph of the telegram under reference.

The Foreign Office has merely acknowledged the Spanish Embassy’s note containing the proposal.

Atherton
  1. Ante, p. 954.