STAFF NOTES: MIDDLE EAST AFRICA SOUTH ASIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP86T00608R000400030013-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 23, 2004
• Sequence Number: 13
• Publication Date: April 23, 1975
• Content Type: REPORT

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Secret
Middle East
Africa
South Asia
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Secret
i .~ 'k
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MIDDLE EAST -AFRICA -SOUTH ASIA
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CONTI3N%'S
Spanish Sahara: Parties Jockey for Position 1
Nepal: Increased Prices for ~ndian Goods 4
Apr 23, 1975
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Spanish Sahara
Partier~ ~ocke~ 1'oz~ Position
As the future of the Spanish Sahara, which can-
tainR one of the world's richest phosphate deposits,
is being weighed by the International Court of
Justice, internal political divisions are beginning
to surface. A recommendation by the court is ex-
pected in September, in time for the next session
of the UN General Assembly. Yet the recommendation
of the TCJ will be unenforceable should the princi-
pal interested nations--Spain, Morocco, Mauritania,
Algeria--refuse to abide by it, and several insur-
gent or political groups have emerged in the terri-
tc,ry to defend or contest the interests of those
nations.
Spain
Spain is publicly committed to relinquishing
its colonial ties with the Sahara, but it will
probably try to protect its investments by backing
a loyal, indigenous polit-~,ca1 grouping. The
National Union Party (NUP) formed last year, which
clearly represents the interests of Spain and has
its support, seeks an independent Sahara through
an "accelerated process of self-determination" based
on friendship and cooperation with Spain.
The NUP, the first Spanish-backed party to appear
in the Sahara, is made up of members of the Reguibat
tribe who support Spain in the dispute over the
Sahara. By supporting the NUP, Spain hopes ,:o counter
indigenous groups favoring annexation by Morocco or
Mauritania. The Reguibat are known for their
ferocity, pride, and ability with firRarms; they
were involved in much of the border strife which led
to the 1963 Moroccan-Algerian clash. Spain probably
enticed them to support a referendum by alluding to
the benefits Saharans could reap from Spanish develop-
ment of the phosphate mines. Depending on the deci-
sion of the Hague Court, the Reguibats could provide
Spain with the nucleus of a malleable indigenous poli-
tical party to continue its infli?ence in the area.
(Continued)
Apr 2?, 1975 1
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Mauritania
Mauritania, like Morocco, has put .forward his-
torical claims to the Spanish Sahara, althuucxh it
seems less interested i.n pressing its own claim than
in countering that of Morocco. The tribes of the
Spanish Sahara probably have more in common with the
Moors who now dominate the governme,~it in Neuackchott
than with the Arabs and Arabized Nerbe_-s who rule
in Rabat and Algiers. Mauritania remains suspicions
of Moroccan intentions and is committed co the prin-
ciple of Saharan self-determina,tian. The Ould Daddah
regime contends that its independence would be endan-
g^red if Morocco obtained politic