881.00/8–2045: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier ( Alling ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 20—1:50 p.m.]
240. Deptel 196.69 Villard and I agreed in consultation with British here that during period of about 1 month, when police were being reorganized, it might be desirable station Allied destroyer in harbor. We contemplated American destroyer for week or 10 days with relief of British and possibly French and Soviet destroyer. However, we never contemplated necessity of vessel to patrol coast. We had in mind that mere presence of Allied vessel would prevent disturbances during period when Spanish police were being replaced by police of international regime. It would, of course, be highly unfortunate if upon Spanish withdrawal disorders should occur here.
Sent Dept as 240, rptd Paris 33, Madrid 107, Moscow as 3 and London as 32.