CURRENT SITUATION FRENCH MOROCCO

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200260002-1
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: May 6, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

NSC BRIEFING NOFORN
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CURRENT SITUATION FRENCH MOROCCO
I. Worsening Indo-China situation affects
North Africa:
A. Most serious in French Morocco.
Nationalists will exert greater efforts
obtain independence; French more
determined than ever maintain hold.
II. Anti-US sentiment increasing:
A. Growing tendency nationalists to link
US to French colonial policy, but
B. Terrorist attacks, though shifted to
French, not yet directed US airbases or
Americans.
III. Anti-French Terrorism:
A. No let-up eight months despite vigorous
French counter action.
1. Assassination bombings, arson,
railroad and communications sabotage.
2. Average one attack daily.
B. Recent shift attacks:
1. From pro-French Moroccans to French
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2. From urban to rural areas.
C. French relying strong police action.
D. Reinforced by new passive resistance
movement:
1. Began April as show of nationalist
strength, but has economic overtones.
2. Aimed French monopolies; bans on
tobacco, bread; expected extend milk
and sugar. Women required wear garb
lesser yardage.
3. Ban Moroccans use of modern machinery
on penalty crops burned.
4. Response immediate in Casablanca;
spread Rabat, Tangier.
IV. Basis anti-French-resistance:
A. Incompatibility nationalist desire
independence with French determination
maintain perhaps expand control.
B. Erupted Aug 1953 with deposition of
popular pro-nationalist sultan.
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C. French "reforms", opposed by ex-sultan
approved by successor.
1. Strip sultanate remaining power.
2. Extend French-control.
Prospects not good:
A. French lost contact friendly elements.
Formerly pro-French Moroccans are now
critical of French policy.
B. Positions hardened both sides. Mutual
distrust. Nationalists sceptical any
concessions by French.
C. Nationalists probably not settle short
public promise independence with definite
timetable and immediate steps autonomy.
Change of sultans alone not enough.
D. French probably unable make real
concessions: Prestige factors; strategic
values, including source manpower.
Strong opposition any concessions from
small but influential local French
community.
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