851B.01/30½

The Chief of Naval Operations (Stark) to Rear Admiral J. W. Greenslade, United States Navy

Upon your arrival Martinique you will inform Admiral Robert in substance as follows:

(1)
That the President understands that Admiral Robert’s promise given to Admiral Greenslade, as the representative of the United States Government, means that the French warships in Martinique and Guadeloupe will not move except to the French Colonies in the Caribbean and then only after advance notice, of at least twenty four hours, has been given through the French Embassy in Washington to the State Department, and that these ships will not further engage in hostilities. That, although every confidence is placed in Admiral Robert’s promise, it is necessary, in view of recent developments to ask him frankly the following question—“If he should receive orders from his government for the French warships to depart to a destination other than the French Colonies in the Caribbean or to depart without prior notification, is he in a position to guarantee that his present promises will be fulfilled”.
(2)
That the United States Government has informed the Vichy Government that if Admiral Robert’s promise is not fulfilled the United States is prepared to take steps accordingly.
(3)
At an opportune time you should tell Admiral Robert that although we feel full trust in his promise, we must, of necessity, take reasonable precautions to observe the movements of French ships and therefore will dispose our forces accordingly.