881.00/9–2545: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier ( Alling )

236. Reurtel 278, Sep 25, 5 p.m. Dept has no info concerning Russia’s plans to send representative to Tangier. As suggested in Villard’s telegram of Sep 292 from Paris (repeated to Tangier as 57), Soviet participation in Conference seems to have been motivated by considerations other than an active desire to share in work of Control Committee. Moreover there was nothing in Russian attitude at Paris to indicate that immediate steps would be taken to appoint representative at Tangier following acceptance of invitation to take part in provisional regime.

In view of problem involved in establishing Consular Office, as well as in selection of suitable personnel, it would not be surprising in Villard’s view to find Soviet arrival delayed until considerably later date in interim period. We should appreciate your reporting any info which may reach you on this subject.

For your info concerning eligibility Soviets attend meetings Lighthouse Commission, Russia, while not a signatory, acceded to Cape Spartel Convention in procès-verbal signed at Tangier on May 31, 1899. Question of eligibility may be affected, however, by reported failure Tsarist or Soviet Govts make payment annual quota for maintenance lighthouse since beginning first World War.

Sent Tangier as 236. Rptd Moscow as 2071.

Acheson
  1. Telegram 5284, September 2, 2 p.m., p. 656.