881.113/34: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier (Blake) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—11 a.m.]
23. My telegram No. 22, August 27, 5 p.m.De facto Spanish authorities Tetuan have protested against French zone dahir of August 17 as measure of disingenuous neutrality penalizing in effect civil and economic life of Spanish zone. Indications are that Committee of Control will not enforce this measure in Tangier as regards supplies from Tangier to Spanish zone, thus nullifying alleged purpose of the dahir. There is strong suspicion in some well informed quarters that neutrality pretext of dahir may cover other political objectives.
In the circumstances, I suggest our note of acquiescence be drafted in following sense:
- (1)
- Reiteration of Department’s declared neutrality position in Spanish conflict.
- (2)
- Acceptance of dahir subject to following reservations:
- (a)
- Providing dahir is made applicable by international administration Tangier to supplies from Tangier to Spanish zone.
- (b)
- That dahir extend to all Spanish territory and possessions in addition to Spanish zone, Ceuta and Melilla.
- (c)
- American Government to retain freedom to release its nationals from restrictions of dahir, whenever it deems conditions may justify such action.
- (d)
- To point out that since oil products and motor vehicles are not included in embargoes inherent to European non-intervention pact, Department’s acceptance of inclusion of these articles [Page 515] in Moroccan dahir will be conditional upon similar acceptance by French Government and all other parties to aforesaid pact.
- (e)
- Foregoing conditions additional to reservations referred to in paragraph 3 of my telegram number 20, August 20, 5 p.m.