851.34/165: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—11:40 a.m.]
955. I took up this morning with Rochat the matter raised in the Department’s 708, November 12, 2 p.m.
Laval read me this afternoon a brief memorandum obtained from Admiral Darlan. It stated that the French Admiralty has no present intention of moving either the Jean Bart or the Richelieu. The memorandum went on to say that if it becomes advisable to move those ships at some future time the French Admiralty alone will decide the question. It reiterates previous assurances that the French Fleet will never fall into the hands of any hostile power.
(I could not refrain from pointing out to Rochat the inconsistency of this last statement and Laval’s earlier remark to me—my 954, November 14, 9 p.m.40—that France could do nothing if Germany decided to take air and naval bases by force. Rochat said that he too had noted this inconsistency and “had squirmed in his chair”. He went on to give however the usual assurance that if any attempt is [Page 488] made to seize the ships they will be scuttled and that strict orders in this sense have been given.)