740.0011 European War 1939/6587: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson)
3457. Please transmit the following message from the President to the former naval person: [Page 487]
“I have received your message with regard to the possible transfer by the French Government of the Jean-Bart and Richelieu to the Mediterranean for completion. Instructions have been sent immediately to the American Chargé d’Affaires in Vichy to obtain a confirmation or a denial of this report and to point out that it is of vital interest to the Government of the United States that these vessels remain in stations where they will not be exposed to control or seizure by powers which might employ them to ends in conflict with the interests of the United States in the future of the French fleet.
If the report is confirmed, the Chargé dAffaires has been instructed to convey to Marshal Pétain an expression of the grave concern of this Government and to point out that the Government of the United States, mindful of the community of interests which has existed for more than a century between France and the United States, believes that if it is necessary, for purposes of reconditioning or repairs, to move the units in question the French authorities will not transfer the Jean-Bart and Richelieu to places where they would be subject to a control inconsistent not only with the best interests of France but with the ultimate interests of the United States as well.
It will also be made clear, should the report be confirmed, that such a step on the part of the French Government would inevitably seriously prejudice Franco-American relations.
For your personal information only, I am letting the French Government know that this Government would be prepared to buy these two ships if they will dispose of them to us. I will let you know the result.”