Deuxième Bureau (Morocco)

The Deuxième Bureau in Morocco refers historically to the French intelligence service branch specifically operating within the French Protectorate of Morocco, prior to Moroccan independence in 1956. "Deuxième Bureau" (Second Bureau) was the standard designation for the intelligence section within the French military and colonial administration. In the Moroccan context, it encompassed a network of agents, informants, and analysts responsible for gathering intelligence on various matters of interest to the French colonial authorities.

Its primary functions included:

• Counterintelligence: Monitoring and neutralizing perceived threats to French rule, including nationalist movements, anti-colonial groups, and foreign influences.
• Surveillance: Tracking individuals and organizations deemed subversive or potentially destabilizing to the Protectorate.
• Intelligence Gathering: Collecting information on political, economic, and social conditions within Morocco to inform French policy and decision-making. This included information on tribal dynamics, religious leaders, and economic resources.
• Propaganda and Psychological Warfare: In some instances, engaging in activities designed to influence public opinion and undermine opposition to French rule.

The Deuxième Bureau in Morocco was a key instrument of French power and control, playing a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Protectorate. Its methods often involved clandestine operations, infiltration, and the use of local informants. The legacy of the Deuxième Bureau remains a complex and controversial aspect of Moroccan history, reflecting the power dynamics and tensions of the colonial era. After Moroccan independence, the structure and personnel of the French Deuxième Bureau were dissolved or transferred, though the intelligence gathering activities continued through different channels.