881.00/9–1245: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier (Alling) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 12—5:50 p.m.]
243. My British colleague87 informs me that an official of French Consulate General called yesterday on one of his service Attachés and proposed formation of Anglo-French bloc on police level, subsequently to be raised to political level, to control international administration of Tangier. Dundas replied that any proposal of that nature would have to be taken up in London but that he was quite certain British wanted real international administration here for benefit of zone and wished scrupulously to avoid any political jockeying.
All my colleagues are convinced that French will endeavor to manipulate interim administration for their own purposes. I feel they are scurrying to obtain support wherever they can but they will meet with little success since consular body, with possible exception Spanish, are interested only in honest, efficient administration.
I suggest Dept examine most carefully may [any?] proposals made by French for provisioning of Tangier and financial controls here. For example, French Commercial Attaché yesterday proposed that any American supplies intended for Tangier be shipped via Casablanca. This would, of course, enhance French prestige since word would be passed that supplies came from French Zone. It would also benefit Franco-Spanish Railroad, but add greatly to cost of supplies. I urge that any provisions from US for Tangier be sent direct to this port.
- Robert D. Dundas, British Acting Consul General at Tangier.↩