851.248/427: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in France (Matthews)
869. Your 1160, December 19, 8 p.m. The Department believes that for the time being at least discussions of this matter with the French, especially as it relates to Indochina, can most advantageously continue to be carried on here. We of course find most helpful your reports of statements made to you by the French.
For your background however you should have in mind that the war material production of this country is not yet at peak and that the supplies available are not sufficient to meet our own needs and the many requests received from various foreign governments. Each request made of us receives most careful and sympathetic consideration. Decision is reached on the merits of each case considered in the light of our own national defense needs and of the declared policies of this Government. When practicable, requests made by the French Government are approved and French Indochina continues to be supplied from this country with a number of items needed by it. When the French Government comes to us with an urgent request for airplanes and other war material for Indochina, it is only natural that we should wonder why the French do not endeavor first to use the planes, war material and ships which it has in existence and available in Martinique and elsewhere in the Colonial Empire. Although the French Ambassador here has raised the question of sending to Indochina the ships and planes in Martinique since last September, as did his predecessor earlier, we have received no evidence that the French Government has pressed the matter of utilizing its own existing resources of planes and war materials.
Referring expressly to your question numbered 3, this Government from time to time exchanges information with the British Government with regard to events in the Far East including Indochina. However, we cannot speak for British policy. We naturally ask ourselves what assurance there is that new equipment, if and when supplied to Indochina, would be devoted to useful purposes and would not fall into undesired hands.
In discussing with the French Ambassador here matters relating to French Indochina, our position has been based upon and has revolved about the factors outlined above.