881.00/1771: Telegram
The Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at Tangier (White) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4—5:03 p.m.]
52. Reference is made to Legation’s No. 50, November 4, 11 a.m.
November 2. The Dutch and Belgian Consuls General, following a summons of High Commissioner, proceeded to Tetuan where they were invited to vacate their positions in both the Spanish and International Zones, High Commissioner offering to lodge them in his house. They replied that Spain had not broken off relations with their Government, and in the Tangier area their exequaturs emanated from the Sultan. After a telephone conversation with Madrid it was agreed that their consular capacity should not be disturbed provided that they agreed to abdicate from the Committee of Control. My colleagues signed agreement to this effect and were allowed to return home.
The same evening the Spanish Minister returned from Madrid and invited the British, French and Portuguese representatives to meet him, the Italian was advised separately. He explained that as some of the members were incapacitated from further activity on the committee [Page 787] or words to that effect, it would be necessary to discontinue the three services mentioned in my telegram referred to above. He refused to state who was the authority for this decision (obviously reached in Madrid, Berlin or Rome) throwing the responsibility upon the military commander.
It is believed to be the intention of the Spaniards to retain the personnel of the existing administration for the present though it is rumored that Amieva, the administrator, is in trouble in his own country. Pending receipt of their instructions, my French colleague has stated in writing to the Consul General of Spain his views concerning irregularity of the above-mentioned supersession of international agreements and my British colleague asked me if in certain eventualities I would be [willing?] to take charge of British interests.
Another submarine made this harbor this afternoon under similar circumstances to those of yesterday.