STATUS OF TANGIER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24449, 7 November 1940, Page 9

STATUS OF TANGIER

THE NEUTRALITY ZONE POSITION NOT YET CLEAR (British Official Wireless) RUGBY. Nov. 5. (Received Nov. 6, at 7.30 p.m.) In connection with the report that an Italian submarine had been chased by the R.A.F. and his Majesty’s naval vessels into Tangier, it is interesting to note that the status of Tangier underwent a change in June last, when, with the consent of the British and French Governments. Spanish troops occupied the zone. An assurance at that time was given that the neutrality zone would be observed and its international administration would be maintained. Since then the international regime has been functioning normally and various matters have been under discussion, including the restoration of the peso as legal tender, upon which agreement had already been reached in principle. On November 3, however, the British representative at Tangier was informed that the Spanish authorities found it necessary to suspend the functioning Committee of Control and the Legislative Assembly, but it is understood that the Spanish military commander would maintain both the neutrality of the zone and the international administration. Further clarification of this step is awaited, upon which his Majesty’s Government will define its attitude.