119.2/2999: Telegram
The Chargé in Frame (Marriner) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—10:25 a.m.]
741. My 729, August 26, 10 a.m.87 Bargeton88 informed me this morning that after discussing the matter with the technical services and the Prime Minister despite their entire willingness to be of assistance in every way possible to maintain communications between our Legation in Addis Ababa and Washington they did not feel inclined to grant permission for an American cruiser to be stationed at Djibouti fearing the precedent this might create with other countries who might ask for similar favors. Likewise, Bargeton pointed out that in case of any outbreak of hostilities in which France should remain neutral they could not permit the presence of any vessel of war of any power within this harbor for more than 15 days. He expressed the Foreign Minister’s regret at not being able to accede to our desire.