781.003/161

The Chargé at Tangier (Doolittle) to the Secretary of State

No. 1388

Sir: I have the honor to refer to the Department’s instruction No. 1003 of August 29, 193846 (File No. 781.003/147) enclosing a note dated August 5, 193847 from the French Embassy at Washington and a copy of the Department’s reply thereto.48 I also refer to Mr. Blake’s despatch No. 1370 of July 15, 1938 transmitting copy of a note to the French Resident General regarding the matter of the settlement of American claims in the French Zone.

As the enclosures to these two documents refer again to the matter of the settlement of these claims, it is believed of interest to the Department to state that a note dated September 8, 1938, No. 331 D., was received on September 9 from the Residency General, reading in translation as follows:

“Mr. Chargé d’Affaires,

“By a letter dated July 15, last, referring to the correspondence exchanged between the Department of State and the French Embassy at Washington, concerning the conclusion of an agreement relating to the abandonment by the United States of its capitulatory rights in Morocco, Mr. Maxwell Blake had suggested that previously to the discussion of this accord, a conference should be brought about for the purpose of seeking a solution of the affairs which are actually pending between the Diplomatic Agency and the Residency General.

“I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of this communication which the Residency General, by reason of the recent opening at Washington of negotiations relating to American capitulations, has transmitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Paris.

“Please accept, Mr. Chargé d’Affaires the assurances of my distinguished consideration …”

As Mr. Blake is expected to return to Morocco within less than three weeks, no reply is being made to this communication from the Residency, pending his return, as I understand that the idea was for him to proceed to Rabat for direct conference with General Noguès.

Respectfully yours,

H. A. Doolittle
  1. Not printed.
  2. Ante, p. 884.
  3. Supra.