Treaty of Angra de Cintra facts for kids
The Treaty of Angra de Cintra was an important agreement signed by Spain and Morocco on April 1, 1958. This treaty officially ended Spain's control over parts of Morocco, known as the Spanish protectorate in Morocco. It also helped bring an end to a conflict called the Ifni War.
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What Was the Treaty of Angra de Cintra?
The Treaty of Angra de Cintra was a secret meeting and agreement between Spain and Morocco. It took place from March 31 to April 2, 1958. The goal was to stop fighting between Spanish forces and Moroccan rebels. These rebels were supported by Morocco and had started fighting in October 1957.
Who Signed the Treaty?
The main people involved were:
- Fernando María Castiella y Maíz, Spain's foreign minister.
- Ahmed Balafrej, Morocco's foreign minister.
They met secretly at the Bay of Cintra. This area was in a Spanish colony called Río de Oro.
What Did the Treaty Decide?
The treaty was signed on April 1, 1958. It stated that Spain would give back control of its southern protectorate zone to Morocco. This area was known as Cabo Juby or the Tarfaya Strip. It was located between the Draa river and a line of latitude called 27° 40′ north.
The transfer of this land happened on April 10, 1958. The ceremony took place in Villa Bens (now called Tarfaya). The future king of Morocco, Hassan II, was there. The treaty also mentioned that both countries wanted Spanish troops to leave the old protectorate areas completely. However, it did not set a specific date for this to happen.
What Happened After the Treaty?
On April 15, Spain told the United Nations that it had fully ended its protectorate. This was because of the Treaty of Angra de Cintra.
End of the Ifni War
The Moroccan Army of Liberation declared a ceasefire on June 30, 1958. This officially ended the Ifni War.
What Was Not Included?
The city of Sidi Ifni was not given to Morocco in this treaty. Sidi Ifni was surrounded by Moroccan land but was under Spanish control. However, the treaty did lead to Spain giving up the areas around Sidi Ifni. These areas were occupied by the Ait Ba Amran tribe. The city of Sidi Ifni itself was only given to Morocco much later, in 1969.
The Treaty of Angra de Cintra also did not discuss other land claims Morocco had against Spain. These claims were in the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
See also
In Spanish: Acuerdo de Cintra para niños
