Office of the Historian

740.0011 European War 1939/4964: Telegram

The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier (White) to the Secretary of State

Tangier, August 3, 1940—6 p.m.
[Received August 3—3:15 p.m.]

2. Referring to telegram from Madrid49 as to which Department requested comments from Tangier, the following is information available.

Neither Spaniards nor French believed to be likely to start a fight without outside pressure, though French forces and also Moroccan tribes would probably resist Spanish aggression hence remarks of Spanish Foreign Minister possibly intended to create atmosphere favorable to aspirations of Spain.

Sentiment in Morocco might have been galvanized at the time of armistice had there been appropriate British initiative. In its absence and since Oran incident50 activist tendencies, if they have not completely evaporated, have no leadership.

German advisers, also an Italian, are reported to have established themselves inconspicuously in French Zone.

White
  1. No. 401, July 26, 8 p.m., supra.↩
  2. British naval action against French naval units at Oran, July 3, 1940; see pp. 469–473.↩