881.00/1798: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier (White) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13—7:20 a.m.]
83. The British Ambassador at Madrid has been instructed to press for the maintenance of the existing rights of British subjects in Tangier, legal—with special reference to right of trial by the Mixed Court, property and commercial—including present rates of import duties; also retention of the Moroccan franc as legal tender, continuance of British officials now serving in international administration and of [Page 798] the British Post Office. He has also been directed to continue urging that the Straits be not fortified and to demand satisfaction for the British Post Office incident—in this connection I hear that the most conspicuous offender, though not under arrest, is to be brought into court.
In regard to the continued refuge given to the two hostile submarines the tone of the instructions is sharper. If satisfaction is not forthcoming the British Government reserves freedom of action not only as to the promised supplies to Spain of wheat but also for its fleet.
Even in the absence of more positive action I presume that the English protests are an important factor in retarding a complete Anschluss. The Franco-Spanish negotiations recently reported from Vichy doubtless have the same effect. I am disposed to attribute no less weight to Spanish lack of planning and coordination, also to the division of opinion between those who wish to retain a special regime for this place and the advocates of its rapid absorption. Among the former may be counted the local Spaniards, official and unofficial: protagonists of the latter course of action are said to be the exchange control people in Madrid.