881.156/28a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Harvey)

203.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 10, French Ambassador visited Department to learn this Government’s attitude towards Tangier port concession, which he had previously requested that this Government approve without its submission to the Diplomatic Body at Tangier.

He was informed as follows: that concession had been examined, and, as it involved control of administration and exploitation of port, in addition to construction, concession seemed to give to Shereefian Government—i.e. the French Government—entire control of the port of Tangier.

Tangier presented two sets of questions, political and economic. In the former, this Government did not desire to become involved. However, it was understood that negotiations concerning Tangier were about to take place among Great Britain, France and Spain, and this Government did not believe that any specific question, such as the port concession, could be satisfactorily settled now, in view of possible developments in forthcoming conference.

As to economic matters in Tangier, United States had certain rights under Act of Algeciras which had never been relinquished and had not been affected by special arrangements to which United States had not been party. United States considered it important to conserve these rights. Tangier port concession appeared to have been granted in absolute disregard of Act of Algeciras. This Government could not enter into a separate agreement with French in the light of provisions of the Act, and exercise good faith towards the other powers. United States could not insist upon protection of Act and at same time virtually disregard Act. Therefore, until a new treaty arrangement was made conserving American interests, United States would maintain its position under the Act, and consequently could not approve port concession granted in disregard of the Act.

Repeat, omitting first paragraph, to Paris as Department’s 223, Madrid [as] 29 and Tangier as 13.

Hughes