740.0011 European War 1939/22793
The Chargé at Tangier (Childs) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 8.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch No. 841 of June 18, 194273 and in particular to the reported nervousness locally [Page 323] concerning a possible Allied invasion of Morocco, and to report that this nervousness would appear to extend also to German sources.
According to secret sources of information Colonel Hans Jacob Recke, Chief Gestapo Agent in Tetuan, had an interview with a Spanish official during the first week in June, at which time they discussed the possibility of an Anglo-American landing in Morocco.
Recke is said to have expressed the opinion that an invasion of Europe is doomed to failure and that consequently the possibility of an invasion in this part of the world cannot be ignored, especially as it is more likely to be successful.
The departure of Lieutenant Colonel Bentley, former Military Attaché to the American Legation in Tangier was interpreted as an indication that operations in this area will commence shortly. It is believed by the Germans that he will be in an excellent position to serve on the Headquarters staff of any such operation.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩