Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Africa, Volume XVIII

197. Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Plans of the Central Intelligence Agency (Stewart) to the Secretary of State’s Special Assistant for Intelligence (Armstrong)¹

Washington , July 30, 1956.

SUBJECT

• Observations of the Sultan on Political and Economic Problems in Morocco

According to a usually reliable source, the Sultan of Morocco, … in July 1956, made the following observations:

1. Morocco is presently in a difficult and dangerous situation, beset by both political and economic dangers from within and without. Some of these difficulties stem from those who desire to cause Morocco’s downfall, and some are inherent in the economic situation.

2. The new Moroccan Army will require a great deal of financial aid and equipment and a well planned organization to effectively absorb the forty thousand men still currently active in the Liberation Army in Morocco. These forces are to be used not only to protect Moroccan territory, but, as far as possible, to support Moroccan policy toward Algeria. The Sultan said he desired to have a total of 80,000 men in the Army by 1958.

3. With regard to the United States, the Sultan said that Morocco’s relations with the United States have a background of close friendship, including the friendly support of former President Franklin Roosevelt. “However, at the time of my deposition in August 1953”, the Sultan said, “when I protested to the French that the United States would not countenance my deposition, I was shocked to hear from the mouth of the French officer who accompanied General Guillaume, that the U.S. had already agreed to the deposition.² Then upon my return from Madagascar,³ I was informed that the U.S. would not effectively recognize our independence until France had agreed to it. And later still, I was told that the U.S. will ask France to be present at the discussions between the U.S. and Morocco over the Air Bases. To this, I cannot agree. The Air Base question is becoming a particularly bitter subject for us, largely because of the U.S. attempts to maintain the presence of the French during these discussions. This is solely a U.S.-Moroccan problem. Regardless of the questionable legality of the previous arrangement, the fact remains that the Bases are on Moroccan soil, that Morocco is a sovereign State, and, among other things, Morocco has superseded France in its dealing with Foreign Powers. There can be no resumption of honestly good relations between Morocco and the U.S. until the French element is removed from any discussion between the two countries. The French have not conducted themselves in a manner that would warrant our acceptance of their presence at these negotiations or that would warrant their right to be consulted in this or financial matters.”

4. The Sultan also stated that it was a great mistake on the part of the West to consider Algeria as a separate question. Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia must be considered as one single question. Morocco supports Algerian independence and will assist in every possible way to help it achieve independence. No real peace is possible in North Africa until satisfaction is given Algeria’s rightful claim. The Sultan said that the Algerian situation could provoke a general warfare in North Africa and no one can foresee the end.

5. In addition, the Sultan declared that both he and his Government will make every effort to regain sovereignty over previously held Moroccan territory, specifically Ifni, Rio de Oro, Melilla, Ceuta, Northern Mauretania, and to rectify the Algerian frontiers.

6. In closing, the Sultan said that the problem of French Communists, French supported Moroccan Communist efforts and other disruptive efforts by the French in Moroccan affairs, greatly concern him. He said the Moroccan Government was hampered by the inability to trust the Frenchmen who have occupied positions without being morally fitted to do so. Some have gone so far as to remove or destroy many precious records which means, in many instances, “that we are left to grope as do the blind”. However, the Sultan said he had instructed his Minister of Security, Mohamed Laghzaoui, to give these matters his closest attention and, particularly, to modify the rules governing foreign travellers in and out of Morocco. Although, he said, this modification will affect Americans in Morocco, the measure is not directed against them and will be applied to them with only a minimum of formality.

For the Deputy Director, Plans:

Thomas H. Karamessines
for Gordon M. Stewart ⁴

1. Source: Department of State, AF/AFN Files: Lot 63 D 250, Morocco History. Secret; Noforn; Continued Control. A copy was sent to the Director of Intelligence of the Air Force.
2. General Augustin Guillaume was the Resident General of Morocco between August 28, 1951 and May 20, 1954.
3. Mohammed V was exiled to Madagascar.
4. Printed from a copy that bears these stamped signatures.