771.00/12–3154: Telegram
The Consul at Rabat (Porter) to the Department of State1
82. Lacoste will proceed Paris early in January though prospect does not arouse much local interest or excitement in view his empty-handed return from previous visits there. He is in position, however, to report sharp increase of terrorism hereafter UN session, with last week of 1954 witnessing approximately 50 armed attacks (bombings and shootings) identified by French sources as politically motivated.
Our records indicate steady progression in number armed assaults during 1954 commencing with 82 in first quarter, 195 in second quarter, 249 in third, and approximately 300 in final quarter of year. These [Page 664] accompanied by unprecedented arsonist attacks against farms in dry season. Figures conservative and have been checked from time to time with French agencies. They do not include incidents occurring during major rioting at Fez, Port Lyautey and elsewhere during year. Casablanca has been main trouble spot, but fact that serious French difficulty not confined to that city evident in curfew imposed in Tiflet farming area since August as well as indications that incidents at police manned road blocks on rural highways now more numerous and widespread than ever.
Lacoste recently confronted nationalist leaders with certain Caids at residency. (See Paris 2756 to Department)2 Caids stated they and countryside would never accept some nationalist ideas particularly demand for return of former sultan. These declarations, according official informants, did not evoke Nationalist reaction or marked interest.