King of Morocco. Hasan came from the Alawite dynasty and enthroned in 1961. For nearly forty years, he retained control of his country with a combination of firmness and skilful policies; his reign faced violent and turbulent period. The most serious threat came in 1971 when he survived the coup, when 1,400-armed cadets stormed his palace. Hasan created a devoutly Muslim state, which was at the same time committed to being Westernised. His peace move towards Arab-Israeli conflict was characteristic of the calculated boldness which marked his reign. Hasan bin Muhammad died of a heart attack. Hassan who travelled widely, was a noted orator, fluent in French, English and Spanish as well as Arabic. 'Hassan inspired devotion; respect; fear. But if he is judged by the effect rather than the means of his rule, his achievements appear rather remarkable.'