Francisco Merry y Colom facts for kids
Francisco Merry y Colom, 1st Count of Benomar (born May 1, 1829 – died January 4, 1900) was an important Spanish diplomat. He represented Spain in Morocco after the Hispano–Moroccan War, traveling to Marrakesh in 1863. Later in his career, he also served as an ambassador in major European cities like Berlin and Rome. He even took part in the famous Berlin Conference.
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Early Life and First Steps in Diplomacy
Francisco Merry y Colom was born in Seville, Spain, on May 1, 1829.
He began his career in diplomacy in 1849. He started working for the government in foreign affairs and later served in Washington, D.C. When the War of Africa (also known as the Hispano–Moroccan War) began, he worked closely with military leaders. He was involved in the talks to end the conflict. In 1860, he became a high-ranking diplomat and representative in Tangier, Morocco.
A Key Mission in Morocco
In February 1863, General Serrano, who was then Spain's Minister of State, asked Merry to lead a special diplomatic mission. The new Foreign Minister, Manuel Pando, gave Merry clear goals for this mission.
Goals of the Mission
Merry's mission aimed to improve relations between Spain and Morocco. His goals included:
- Helping Muley El-Abbás, the Sultan's brother who liked Spain.
- Encouraging more trade in the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla by creating a customs system.
- Opening the Port of Agadir for Spanish ships.
- Making it easier to get meat supplies for Ceuta.
- Improving the rights and status of Spanish people living in Morocco.
With a higher diplomatic rank, Merry traveled to Tangier, then to Marrakesh, and back to Tangier between May and July 1863. During his time at the court of Mohammed IV, Merry helped set up the foundation for peaceful trade and diplomatic relations with Morocco.
Representing Spain in Europe
After his time in Africa, Merry was appointed as a top diplomat in Berlin, Germany. There, he was promoted to the rank of Ambassador. In 1878, King Alfonso XII gave Merry the noble title of Count of Benomar. He also served two times as Spain's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Italy.
He passed away in Rome, Italy, on January 4, 1900. His daughter, María del Carmen Merry y López de la Torre Ayllón, became the next Countess of Benomar.
His Legacy
Francisco Merry y Colom kept detailed diaries about his experiences in 1863. These diaries were published in 1984. Even though they show a European point of view from that time, they are very valuable for historians. They help us understand the relationship between Spain and Morocco. They also offer insights into the geography, population, society, economy, culture, and politics of Morocco during that period.
