840.48/4540: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—1:50 p.m.]
4170. Your December 13, 11 p.m.23 Present position of blockade authorities regarding unoccupied France is that medical supplies under Red Cross supervision will be allowed to go through. Milk for children of unoccupied France is for the moment definitely under the ban. The aggressive spirit in this policy is Mr. Dalton, Minister of Economic Warfare. There is no doubt, however, that the Prime Minister and Lord Halifax as well as other members of the Cabinet are fully aware of the position he has adopted and it is in reality a Government position. I think it is also true to say that this policy is representative [Page 554] of both Parliamentary and public opinion. The cruel loss of civilian life not only in London but in places like Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham, Coventry and Sheffield has greatly hardened both official and public opinion in this country against any sort of concession based even on humanitarian grounds which might even indirectly benefit the enemy.
I know it to be in the minds also of those responsible for the present policy that children in Holland and Belgium are subject to the full rigor of the blockade; these countries are still Britain’s allies with exiled governments (although the status of the two is not identical) functioning in London and with soldiers still fighting on Great Britain’s side. In the British view it would be, to say the least, embarrassing for the Government to permit milk to go to children in unoccupied France when Dutch and Belgian children are necessarily victims of a more severe rule.
The political situation at Vichy is viewed with very grave anxiety at present in the highest quarters. They have no accurate information of the Vichy Government’s intentions and are mentally prepared for any kind of treachery to come from that quarter. Certainly until the Vichy situation has cleared up, and in view of other considerations mentioned above, it would be politically difficult for the Government to make a concession regarding milk for children in unoccupied France. Any increased collaboration between Germany and Vichy, whether with the voluntary or involuntary acquiescence of the latter, is fraught with deadly peril to this country, and both the Government and Parliament, and in an increasing degree public opinion generally, are keenly alive to the potentialities. The rigid policy of Mr. Dalton is therefore, popular and broadly supported. Lord Halifax and, I am sure, other members of the Government, understand and appreciate the humanitarian sentiments which inspire the American people in face of the suffering of innocent children in unoccupied France. If we should make a request for milk for these children to be allowed through the blockade I do not believe the request would give offense, but I think the likelihood of its being granted at the present moment is very small.
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