381.1153 Socony Vacuum Co./3: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier ( Blake ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 11—12:52 p.m.]
21. Reference to the Department’s instruction of December 8, 193163 and its unnumbered telegram September 19, 1938, 6 p.m.64 In view of circumstances therein referred to, the Franco-Moroccan authorities, to serve distinctly military purposes, have requested permission for immediate or eventual requisitioning of all livestock and automotive vehicles belonging to American nationals or protégés domiciled in French Zone.
In the event that the Department acquiesces in the proposed measures valid during the existence of crisis, I suggest our consent be subordinated to the following stipulations: (1) all requisitions to be made in cooperation with the American Consul in Casablanca; (2) no requisition will be authorized, the effect of which would cause serious prejudice or stoppage of any established American enterprise or deprive individual owners from gaining their livelihood; (3) immediate payment at fair value for all requisitioned property and option for repurchase belongs to original owner in event of subsequent sale; (4) measures taken to be applied impartially to persons of all nationalities without distinction or discrimination; (5) the Department reserves the right to determine when present exceptional measures are to terminate; (6) guaranteed assurances that no prejudice as a result of above military measures will be brought to the interests [Page 685] of American nationals or protégés on the resumption of their legitimate business activities upon reestablishment of normal conditions in French Morocco.