771.00/8–1053: Telegram
The Chargé at Rabat (Stokes) to the Department of State1
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6. Sultan’s confidential emissary Sbihi called Consulate today stating he charged by Sultan inform US Government Morocco situation “extremely grave,” with coup d’état planned occur between fifteenth and twenty-fifth August. Sultan expects his deposition and replacement by Hassan El Hafedi (son Moulay Hafid), with some form division Morocco into north and south. Sultan believes coup, planned by Bidault and Glaoui, to be executed by De Blesson in Resident General’s absence. Sultan, despite repeated appeals to his supporters for calm, certain “blood will flow” if coup attempted: Morocco “on brink of abyss” and civil war declared imminent if present French policy continued.
Sbihi also stated Sultan, prior formal appeal France, United Nations, and world, desires know urgently US Government attitude.
Sbihi stated Sultan’s information reliably based on intelligence reports from entire Morocco, including Glaoui entourage.
[Page 614]Color lent these palace apprehensions by sudden early return Glaoui, his whirlwind “triumphant” tours southern cities, daily public denunciations Sultan, heavy publicity given “movement opposition and reform,” capped Friday by Glaoui dinner at residency with De Blesson.
Consulate local employee informed (by Caid’s son) Caid Amor of Boulhaut compelled, under physical threats by Controleur Civil, receive Glaoui during current tour. Other informant, Moroccan landowner Ben Ahcine, separately told us today Glaoui tour supported by French use force.
We feel Glaoui machinations leading up to some imminent climax, but independently had not deemed situation so critical as viewed by Palace. However, lack opposition press and isolation Consulate from nationalist (and all but few other) sources limit our vision. Sultan undoubtedly well and widely informed, and aware unfounded appeal would weaken his status future emergencies.
If coup d’état takes place, believe Sultan’s warning bloodshed will materialize. We are receiving petitions endorsing Sultan, signed by long lists Moroccans, despite reports force used suppress them. Glaoui strength, on other hand, of doubtful dimensions (see Bordeaux despatch 10 of July 222 for disagreement within Glaoui household).
Sultan awaiting reply, though we promised only to transmit message. Sbihi to see Sultan twelfth and will call Consulate later same day. Request instructions.