740.0011 European War 1939/3815: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier (Blake) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 15—10:08 a.m.]
21. I have received a note dated June 14, 1940, from the Spanish Minister in Tangier, identical in terms with notes addressed by him to all my colleagues reading in translation as follows:17a
“The military occupation of Tangier and of its hinterland having been effected by forces of the Shereenan Army [Khalifan Mehalla],17b in the name of the Sultan of Morocco and with the exclusive object of assuring the absolute neutrality of Tangier and its zone in the present circumstances, I have the honor[, in the name of my Government,]17c to inform you that this occupation is provisional in character and that the rights of the interested powers, and all the established services will be respected.”
My reply has been limited to acknowledging receipt of the communication taking note of the assurances contained therein that the rights and interests of the treaty powers in Tangier would be respected and adding that the contents of the note was being brought to the attention of my Government.
Copy sent to Embassy at Madrid.