881.00/8–1445: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Caffery )
3898. For Villard. Urtel 4922, Aug 14, 9 p.m.
- 1.
- Although we do not insist upon the participation of the Span Govt in the International Zone of Tangier we would not be opposed to it. In fact we are inclined to agree with the French and Brit that the exclusion of the Span Govt would tend to increase the likelihood of economic and administrative difficulties which the provisional regime might be called upon to face.
- 2.
- We would not favor the Soviet resolution as drafted. It is too
vague and its interpretation might give rise to disagreements. We
would prefer a resolution drafted somewhat as follows:
The legitimate interest of the Span nation and people in the International Zone of Tangier is recognized and the govts represented at the conference agree that Spain will be admitted as a participant in the administrative organizations of that Zone just as soon as it possesses a govt with qualifications to justify its membership in the United Nations.
- 3.
- In order that it should be made clear that we are not discriminating against Spain as a nation, we would concur in the retention, in the technical or administrative work of Tangier, of Span nationals [Page 640] who, in the opinion of the temporary Govt of Tangier, have not identified themselves with the falangist movement or who have not carried on political activity on behalf of the Axis powers or of regimes supported by those powers. Furthermore, it might be made clear that the provisional govt would consider favorably the application for the reemployment of former Span nationalists who have worked in a non-political capacity for the Tangier admin prior to the seizure of Tangier by Spain and who have been dismissed because of lack of sympathy for the Axis powers or for regimes supported by those Powers.
- 4.
- In our opinion, the press release issued at the end of your discussions should be drafted in such a manner that it could be used to combat propaganda in Spain to the effect that the allies are not giving full recognition to the legitimate interests of Spain in Tangier. It should furthermore be worded and employed in such a manner that it could not be regarded as an instigation to armed revolt in Spain.
- 5.
- We would favor an agreement among the four powers that if the Span Govt should refuse to evacuate Tangier, the question as to the action which should be taken would be submitted for the consideration of the great powers which have been proposed as the permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations.
- 6.
- It would be impossible for the U.S. at this time, to make any commitments as to the extent to which it would be prepared to assist in the provisioning of Tangier in the event of Spain’s refusal to continue to assume this burden, since the nature and weight of this burden is not as yet determinable. We could not undertake to answer hypothetical questions of this character. The U.S. however as one of the powers responsible for the effective functioning of the provisional govt, would, of course, accept appropriate responsibility for the economic welfare of Tangier.
- 7.
- It should be made clear that the authorities in Tangier should not engage in political activities but confine their activities to the admin of the Zone.
Sent Paris as 3898; rptd London as 7022; Madrid as 1423; Tangier as 197; Moscow as 1867.