Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Near East and Africa, Volume VII

881.00/7–1946: Telegram

The Diplomatic Agent at Tangier (Alling) to the Secretary of State

secret

Tangier, July 19, 1946—4 p.m.
[Received July 19—1:14 p.m.]

281. Last evening I discussed with Leon Marchal, French Delegate at Rabat, who happened be Tangier, general question raised Deptel 232, July 16 re uprisings French Morocco.² He spoke very frankly saying Residence [Residency?] expected no trouble immediate future but no one could say there might not be troubles some time ahead. Marchal said the Resident General³ proposed follow increasingly liberal policy and cited recent repatriation three Nationalist leaders who had been exiled for several years. He added that Resident General would make an important announcement July 22. Marchal appeared believe that there was more danger from Communist inspired activities than from Nationalist agitation. He pointed out Communist movement among French residents was quite important in protectorate adding that he was not sure whether activities were inspired from Paris or from further afield.

He stated Resident General believed, as he himself did, in educating Moors for greater responsibilities, in developing protectorates’ mineral resources and in starting certain industries to raise standard of living. In this program Resident General has full support and confidence of Sultan.⁴ I gathered that through such policies Resident General hoped avoid any clash with Nationalists.

I have great confidence in Marchal’s opinions and am inclined to give them full credence.

Am visiting Casablanca this week-end and will make further investigations there and report.⁵

Alling

2. Not printed; it transmitted certain information on the possibility of a revolt in Morocco, requested that an investigation be made, and asked for an evaluation of the situation (881.00/7–146).
3. Eirik Labonne.
4. Sidi Mohammed.
5. Mr. Alling’s report is contained in telegram 286, July 22, 1946, from Tangier, the pertinent portion of which reads as follows: “Over week-end, discussed subject Deptel 232, July 16, with Military and Naval Attachés and Consular officers at Casablanca and Rabat. All are in agreement that (Legtel 281, July 19) outbreaks are unlikely in foreseeable future; that With good crops and improving economic conditions, Moroccans are unlikely revolt; that Resident General, whom I saw yesterday with Ambassador Caffery, is following line which is pleasing to nationalists. At same time, all agree that in view developments Syria, Lebanon, Transjordan, Egypt and Libya, unless French make real effort assist bringing about self-government Morocco within few years, troubles will occur. We all agree Moroccans require training and education before they are competent self-government.” (881.00/7–2246)