852.01/10–1944: Telegram
The Chargé at Tangier (Elbrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:10 p.m.]
312. Circular note of October 1686 received this a.m. from Orgaz87 announces appointment of Suner, Spanish Consul General here, as, delegate on High Commission in Tangier to succeed General Uriarte who left for Madrid October 13 to take advance course at Army War College. Although Uriarte announced by note to heads of foreign representations that he would be absent only a month, Orgaz note confirms his definitive departure. As pointed out in our A–244 October 1788 Spaniards have apparently chosen this face-saving method of removing Uriarte who has acted as its delegate since November 1942 and as Commander of Spanish 52d Provisional Division and Military Governor.
Transfer of Uriarte’s power to a civilian diplomatic officer possibly signifies beginning or [of] withdrawal of Spanish Armed Forces from International Zone. This move, together with withdrawal of 13th Infantry Regiment (Legtel 306, October 989) and rumored retirement in near future of regiments of 52d Provisional Division would indicate adoption of more realistic policy by Spanish in regard [Page 554] to their unpopular occupation of International Zone. There is no indication, however, that they intend to withdraw from Tangier entirely; there is reason to believe [apparent omission] stress the civilian rather than the military aspect of the occupation in the hope that this will placate the interested powers to a point where they may be willing to acknowledge Spain’s claim to a dominant position here in any future revision of Tangier’s status.
Repeated to Madrid.