CONTROL OF TANGIER

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 August 1926, Page 5

CONTROL OF TANGIER

WANTED BY SPAIN.

A KNOTTY PROBLEM LIKELY TO CAUSE TROUBLE. BY CABLE—PRES 3 ASSOCIATION —COPYBIGHT LONDON, Aug. 21. A most important official move is made, .according to the Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent, by De Rivera’s request, through diplomatic channels, that the British, French and Italian Governments should agree, to either the incorporation of a Tangier enclave within Spain’s Moroccan Protectorate or the granting by the League to Spain of a mandate thereover.

The correspondent emphasises the strategic position so far a.s Britain is concerned. “The control of Tangier by any single Power,” he says, “might constitute a menace to Gibraltar and the freedom of the Straits, which are vital to the British Navy. “France is perturbed for different reasons. Her relations with Spain are not so harmonious as would appear on the surface, in spite of their common efforts against Abd el Krim. Moreover, under the present Tangier regime France exercises a marked predominance over other Powers. Herein lies Spain’s chief grievance. “Italy's position is a puzzle in view of Mussolini’s absence from Rome, but it is certain he will not withdraw his recent demands for participation in; the Tangier administration. The question threatens to upset the Geneva 1 apple cart iia September. “British diplomacy is confronted by obstacles only 'surmountable by a frank and fearless realisation of its Locarno aims. The Tangier re-settlement has nothing to do with the Geneva prourarnme, nor is there reason for the British Government to allow itself to be drawn into fresh controversies about Spanish, Polish, or any other claims; for seats.

“The commission meeting on September 30 will be competent to discuss the number and character, but not the allocation: of the seats, which is a matter for the Assembly. In this connection the British Government .possesses the trump card. It is Britain who, wti-hout receiving anything in return, has undertaken, under the Locarno Pact, to guarantee the security of the others. _ The latter were warnedi then that this wn.s Britain’s last and only offer of the kind. The hour may have arrived or soon may arrive when; a reminder of this fact mar not be inopportune. If so it should not remain without effect upon the obstructionists.”

(.Tangier, seaport and health resort of North Africa, is situated on a small bay in Morocco, 38 miles by sea southwest of Gibraltar. Tangier and its surrounding district of some 140 square miles are a separate zone apart from the French Protectorate over Morocco and outside the Spanish zone. The port is internationalised' territory. It is a picturesque hut ill-built town with- an extensive trade. Tangier was taken by the Portuguese in 1471. and formed part of the dowry of Catherine of Broganza, queen of Charles 11. It remained; a British possession til-I 1683. Subseauemly it became the 'headquarters of pirates.]