Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, The Far East, Volume V

881.00/2730: Telegram

The Consul General at Casablanca (Russell) to the Secretary of State

Casablanca, January 8, 1944—1 p.m.
[Received 10:47 p.m.]

11. Reference Tangier’s despatch 1876, December 28. In opinion of Consulate the strength of Moorish Nationalists in French zone is not such that any real dilemma is presented if delegation of that group presents itself at Consulate. Even if such dilemma existed I believe strongly that, unless otherwise instructed, I should inform delegation that the United States has recognized French Protectorate in Morocco, that as American representative here I can only deal in official matters with French Protectorate authorities and that consequently I cannot receive their petition or representations. I then intend to see Chief of Cabinet Diplomatique and verbally inform him of such visit and of my statement to the delegation.

See my despatch 121 [1217], December 17³⁵ regarding my opinion of anti-French movements, also Rabat’s airgrams A–1³⁶ and A–2. This telegram deliberately held so that Tangier despatch may be received and noted. Department will note that Childs, Mayer and myself substantially agree.

Repeated to Tangier as my no. 2, Algiers as my no. 1 and copy true reading to Rabat.

Russell

35. Not printed.
36. Dated January 4, 10 a.m., not printed.