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Original World War II–era French military map of northern Morocco sent to General George S. Patton by Charles Noguès, 1:500,000 scale, printed in July 1941, 39.5 x 24, headed "Maroc Nord," annotated in blue and red ink to identify "Zone A" and "Zone B." Includes a TLS signed "Nogues," one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.75, "Maroc, Le Commissaire Résident Général" letterhead, stamp-dated December 6, 1942, addressed to "Monsieur le Major Général G. S. Patton Junior, Commandant en Chef les Forces Américaines au Maroc, Casablanca," with an official translation to English: "In the course of our conversation on November 28, I had pointed out to you that negotiations were underway between General Orgaz and myself, the purpose of which was to avoid any incident along the Frontier between the French and Spanish zones of Morocco to the effect that neither party would reinforce their garrisons in proximity to the Border, and that movement of troops would be reduced to the minimum necessary for their relief.
This agreement is in course of realization, and I hope that it will be in effect very soon. The measures to be taken are indicated on the attached map. Zone A, indicated in blue, being the zone in which there will be no movement of troops excepting for the normal relief of elements stationed in that zone. Zone B, indicated in red, being the zone in which movement of troops will be permitted, but where the existing garrisons will not be reinforced. This agreement appears to me best suited to our joint desire to avoid at this time any incident or complication with our Spanish neighbors.
I should be very grateful if you would be good enough to prescribe that from now on, American troops will under no circumstances cross the southern limit on account of the nervousness which any such crossing could not fail to evoke in our neighbors. Naturally, reconnaissances by officers which may be considered necessary may nevertheless be made; it will be sufficient to take a few necessary precautions to be arranged for between the officers concerned and the local French military authorities." Also includes an unsigned carbon typescript of a letter from Geoffrey Keyes, Patton's chief of staff, to Major General A. M. Gruenther, forwarding information regarding the "establishment of neutral zones north and south of the Border." In very good to fine condition, with a few small tape stains to the map, and minor loss to its right edge and at the fold intersections.
This map dates to shortly after General George S. Patton's success in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa which took place from November 8 to 16, 1942. Patton commanded the Western Task Force, consisting of 33,000 men in 100 ships, in amphibious landings centered on Casablanca, Morocco. The landings were opposed by Vichy French forces, but Patton's men quickly gained a beachhead and pushed through fierce resistance. Casablanca fell on November 11th and Patton negotiated an armistice with French General Charles Noguès. Patton’s leadership in Torch marked his first major combat command in World War II and helped establish his reputation as an aggressive and decisive commander.
