851B.01/35
The Vice Consul at Martinique ( Blocker ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 12.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that our Naval Observer, Commander Blankenship, and I had the pleasure to visit [Page 531] President Roosevelt on December 8, 1940, when his ship, the U. S. S. Tuscaloosa, passed near Martinique.
We talked with the President for about one hour, answering his questions and giving him as best we could a general idea of present conditions in Martinique and in Guadeloupe.
The President suggested that Admiral Robert be questioned with reference to his attitude on the following matters:
- 1.
- Whether the French Government would consider a sale of the American made airplanes, now resting ashore at Fort-de-France, to some South American country, the credit for same to be used in purchasing foodstuffs for France and for French colonies.
- 2.
- Whether Admiral Robert would be willing to grant authorization for two American Naval operators to come to Martinique and operate a radio sending station in the offices of the American Consulate, to transmit official message[s] of Commander Blankenship and myself.88 It is to be understood, of course, that upon the installation of such station, the American Naval Patrol off Fort-de-France would be discontinued, as well as the discontinuance of the daily calls of the U.S. Naval Patrol Planes.
The President stated that he is greatly concerned that no German control or influence be exerted in the French West Indies, be it either military, commercial, financial or otherwise.
Immediately upon coming ashore from the visit with the President, Commander Blankenship and I called upon Admiral Robert and, after extending greetings from the President, informed him of the President’s suggestions above noted. Admiral Robert stated that he would have to communicate with his Government before giving a reply to the suggestions. The Admiral left shortly thereafter for an inspection visit to Guadeloupe aboard the French auxiliary cruiser Barfleur. It is understood that he will return Martinique on December 11, 1940.
Enclosed is a copy of a memorandum submitted by Commander Blankenship to Admiral Robert concerning the subjects in question.89
I shall inform the Department immediately upon a receipt of the desired information from Admiral Robert.
Respectfully yours,