893.0146/738: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Bullitt)
1415. Personal for the Ambassador. Your 2775, November 17, 5 p.m. In view of the facts set forth in your telegram, the President asks me to let you know that he has reached the conclusion that it would be wiser merely to inform Daladier that if the President should later consider it desirable to undertake peace time maneuvers near the atoll and in the lagoon, he will then advise the French Government through you accordingly, requesting permission for the temporary use of the island and lagoon for this purpose, making it clear, of course, that permission will be asked of the French Government in each similar case should it be considered desirable to repeat maneuvers in that vicinity, and making it equally clear that no question involving French sovereignty is being raised.
Under the circumstances the President believes that this is the only practical procedure and you will be informed later when the time comes to undertake such maneuvers.