The sea outlet of eastern Morocco. A conflict of commercial interests between the Moroccan protectorate authorities and those of the Algerian colony (1914-1956)

Abstract

The eastern Morocco occupied, during the French protectorate, a particular place in the general economy of the kingdom. It is a region separated by the Atlas and the Rif and the arid region which stretches from Aioun Sidi Molouk to Taza from the Atlantic coast of Morocco. However in spite of this, the region is kept linked politically and administratively to it ,and because of  its geographic location, the eastern Morocco found itself forced  to look for commercial and maritime outlets in the Algerian  sector of Oran, which was separated by political and customs borders.

  The choice of the most appropriate maritime port for eastern Morocco was subject to tensions and conflicts between the Moroccan and the Algerian governments. These conflicts were strictly linked to the defense of each government’s commercial interests.

Key words: port, railway, Saidia, Nemours, Oran, commercial interests