771.00/8–1853: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State1
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624. Guillaume and Vimont arrived Paris last night and conferred with Bidault and Laniel today. Council of Ministers meeting tomorrow will face major decisions on Morocco. Following picture given us by Margerie, Marchal and Baeyens.
Situation both “uncertain and confused” and “out of hand”. Seriousness indicated by Guillaume’s return to Paris at own request at time when his presence in Morocco almost indispensable. Principal impression he and Vimont brought back was that strength of movement represented by Glaoui and Caids considerably greater than anticipated.
Moroccan religious festival this coming Friday in effect represents deadline before which some action as yet undetermined must be taken to restore stability. Essential immediate problem, as Foreign Office sees it, is to maintain order and prevent situation arising which could lead to massacre of French and other foreigners. In addition to dangers of bloodshed in Morocco, Foreign Office recognizes probable repercussions in other countries, particularly in Arab world, although in view recent events in Egypt, Iran and elsewhere they are not too concerned over this aspect. Possibility also foreseen of government crisis if Assembly meets next week and situation has not been restored.
Recognizing that French Government will be strongly attacked both in Morocco and abroad for any course of action leading to removal of Sultan, our informants expressed view that belligerent attitude of Pashas and Caids led by Glaoui make Sultan’s removal seem lesser evil and course likely to cause least violence. Additional factor is that most French Union forces Morocco are recruited from Berbers and French fear possibility they might revolt.
[Page 620]Request all recipients treat foregoing with greatest discretion since decision not yet taken.
Re Rabat’s telegrams 322 and 333 August 17 and 18 (repeated Paris 25 and 26) and Tangier’s telegram 72,4 August 17 (repeated Paris 13). While French authorities Morocco made grave mistake in permitting situation to develop to present stage, French Government is now faced with very grave and difficult decisions to make and must make them in light of what it considers its own national interest. French Government cannot be unaware of attitude of United States Government with respect to question of removal of Sultan, which has been conveyed to French authorities in past, nor of our concern in present situation which we have constantly reiterated. French must accept responsibility for whatever flows from their acts or past omissions. Any intervention on our part at this point would probably have little or no influence on their decision and would afford them opportunity lay partial blame on us for results.