740.0011 European War 1939/3793: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier (Blake) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 14—11:30 a.m.]
20. At 7 a.m., this morning High Commissioner of Spain telephoned Acting Resident General of France in Morocco that Spanish military forces would occupy Tangier within 10 minutes. It is believed that Rabat responded expressing its accord and stated that note had been taken thereof. At 7:30 military forces entered International Zone and simultaneously Soviet [Spanish] naval vessel arrived in the port. French Residency’s response is supposed to indicate occupation took place with consent of French Government although my colleagues, French and English, are without information as yet. I have reason to believe that Spanish representative here has addressed written communication to the British and French representatives, that Spain’s intervention is provisional, designed to protect the neutrality of the zone, that the rights of the powers will be respected and that existing services will not be interfered with. Situation tranquil.
Copy of this telegram sent to Embassy Madrid.