Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The British Commonwealth, The Soviet Union, The Near East and Africa, Volume III

740.0011 European War 1939/3801: Telegram

The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State

Madrid, June 14, 1940—1 p.m.
[Received 2:30 p.m.]

192. My 190, June 14, 11 a.m.¹⁶ I have received a communication from the Minister of Foreign Affairs in which he transmits copy of a note which had been sent to the British Embassy as well as to the “other powers”. Translation of the note follows:^16a

“Excellency: The Minister of France in Tangier sent Captain Luiset, Military Attaché, to visit the Spanish Minister in Tangier informing him that he had addressed the French Government advising him of the suitability of preparing a mixed Franco-Spanish detachment with a view to reinforcing the services of vigilance and security in the international zone in anticipation of possible incidents which might disturb the neutrality of Tangier.

The Spanish Government addressed the French Government through its Ambassador in Paris, explaining its rights [reservations]^16b and at the same time its opinion that such police operation should be left to Spanish forces, since Spain’s attitude of non-intervention is the maximum guarantee of neutrality and of the statute.

Having obtained the agreement of France, as the Ambassador informed the undersigned Minister yesterday during his visit at 7:30 p.m., the High Commissioner of Tetuan was authorized to order Moorish [Khalifan]^16c troops, in the name of the Sultan, to occupy Tangier with that view. Said forces have orders to enter the Tangier Zone this morning.

In accordance with the discussion with the French Ambassador, the occupation is of a provisional nature in conformity with and respecting the statute,¹⁷ and guaranteeing the neutrality of its jurisdictional waters and the normal functioning of all public services.

I avail myself of this opportunity, Mr. Ambassador, to reiterate the assurances of my high consideration.”

Weddell

16. Not printed.
17. Translation revised on basis of Spanish text in Madrid Embassy files.
18. reservas.
19. jaliflanas.
17. Convention regarding organization of the Statute of the Tangier Zone, signed at Paris, December 18, 1923. For text, see League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. xxviii, p. 541. The United States did not adhere to this convention and made reservation of the rights of the American Government and its nationals. See note to the French Ambassador, June 18, 1925, Foreign Relations, 1925, vol. ii, p. 599.