851.34/166: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—8:51 a.m.]
1003. Department’s strictly confidential telegram 733, November 18, 9 p.m., and my telegram 1002, November 21, 7 p.m.42 At my interview with Marshal Pétain this afternoon I conveyed to him as by direction of the President the point of view set forth in the Department’s telegram under reference. His reaction was immediate: “Then why not leave those vessels at Dakar and Casablanca where they now are? I shall keep them there and if there should be any change in this plan I will give you previous notice.”
- Latter not printed.↩