NORTH AFRICA: On the Road from Morocco

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When it became apparent that Hassan would go ahead with the march, the U.N. Security Council called on all nations concerned "to avoid unilateral or other action which might further escalate the tension in the area." One reason Hassan has remained adamant, perhaps, is fear that his prestige among his subjects will plunge if he appears to back down under pressure. When he received a cable from the Security Council to "end forthwith the declared march," he dryly replied: "The march started this morning."

Fearful Hassan. At week's end the U.N. was still hoping mediation would settle the crisis. One plan, reportedly agreeable to both Madrid and Algiers, involves a six-month U.N. administration of the colony, during which Spanish troops would gradually withdraw, followed by elections in which the inhabitants would decide their political future. Hassan, however, fears voting in the colony would be manipulated by the Algerians, who have strong links to the leftist Polisario Front, the Sahara's best-organized political group. On Saturday, nevertheless, the King received a special envoy from Spain, Cabinet Member Antonio Carro Martinez for further talks on the crisis.

The talks—or some other behind-the-scenes maneuvers—finally convinced Hassan to pull back his marchers. On Sunday, the King announced that the march had "achieved its objective" and ordered his people to return to their base camp inside Moroccan borders. In return, according to one report, Spain was expected to announce that it would turn over the disputed colony to U.N. administration until a referendum could decide its future.