Although the Moroccan government has reduced its stance regarding the territorial conflict over Gibraltar, the country played a central role in nearly every political resolution related to the Spanish-British debate about controlling this overseas area. This was later verified through a letter dated July 1940.
Gibraltar is an overseas territory that was later handed over permanently to Great Britain through the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Since then, Spain has claimed ownership of this area, but London rejected these claims. Nevertheless, circumstances changed in 1940, as Britain's denial turned into something unusual. Specifically, on June 7, 1940, Britain proposed to transfer Gibraltar to Franco in return for Casablanca and Rabat, which at that time were under French control.
A UK military installation in Morocco
Major General Francisco Martin Moreno notified his higher-up, Minister of War José Enrique Varela, through a written communication regarding the remarks made by the British Governor of Gibraltar, General Liddell. According to this, the latter stated he was prepared to "propose to his government that Gibraltar, along with its military defenses, be returned in exchange for a minor area in Morocco, encompassing Casablanca and Rabat, so as to set up a naval installation on the Atlantic coastline. This facility would allow Britain to monitor, if required, vessels passing through Gibraltar bound for the Mediterranean and those departing from the Atlantic," notes the correspondence from Major General Francisco Martin Moreno.
The start of World War II sees German forces occupying most of Eastern Europe and nearing Paris. Just a week later, they march into the French capital. Amidst this hostile situation and with Germany growing more powerful, London acted by making an attractive proposal to Spain and Franco. The aim was to persuade him against joining the conflict alongside his ally Hitler.
A very confident Franco
Throughout the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), German air forces played a crucial role in securing Francisco Franco’s military success. On June 14, 1940—the day Paris was captured by Germany under Hitler—Spanish troops marked the event by invading Tangier, an action that breached the city's internationally recognized neutral status.
The following developments were unfavorable for the Spaniards and their German allies, who would surrender on May 8, 1945. The leader Francisco Franco, after many years of political uncertainty, managed to draw nearer to the United States through an intense campaign against communists. This stance allowed him to become integrated into the global system of that time. Regarding Gibraltar, it remains under British control, just as Ceuta and Melilla continue to be occupied by Spain.