740.00112 European War 1939/5401: Telegram
The Chargé at Tangier (Childs) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 6—12:11 p.m.]
195. My 153, April 11, 11 p.m.28 I have just received a communication dated April 30 from General Orgaz, of which the following is a translation.
“In replying to your kind note concerning the importation of merchandise in the zone of Spanish Protectorate of Morocco I recognize the affectionate interest and the promptness with which (having realized the supply situation of this zone) you took informal steps with your Government which, without any commitment on your part, might serve as a basis for negotiations which involve the hope of a possible supply to this Moroccan Zone of those articles which are essential for its peace economy.
I have acquainted my Government with the suggestions that were made to me and ratify what I told you verbally in the interview which we had on the 13th of this month in the office of the High Commissariat in Tetuán.
I accept all the formal conditions set forth in that note in everything that refers to the proper and legal use of the merchandise that might be imported and also as to the insurance and guarantee that none of those articles or similar ones produced in the zone would be exported. (This in any case is impossible in view of the scarcity of the same in relation to the population). But I cannot offer other than my personal guarantee and such consumption data as may be necessary to determine (if that point were reached) the amount of importations which might be effected, since the juridical situation having to do with recognition of the protective mission entrusted to Spain gives an exceptional character to the relations between the Spanish and American authorities, a situation which the High Commissioner can only place in evidence, the possible solution of which lies within the province of the two Governments.
The possibility of securing Spanish vessels for the transportation of the articles that might be imported, from the American ports of origin to the Moroccan ports is likewise a matter appertaining to the Spanish Government.
The Spanish Government is acquainted with the note that the Chargé d’Affaires delivered to me. I take this opportunity to reiterate the testimony of my highest consideration.”
It is presumed that the reference in the second paragraph is to the interview had on March 13 (see Legation’s telegram 116 of that date) and I am endeavoring to verify this.
Repeated Madrid.
- Not printed; see despatch No. 728, supra.↩