Office of the Historian

123 M 956/294: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Matthews) to the Secretary of State

Vichy, December 19, 1940—6 p.m.
[Received December 20—5:45 a.m.]

1158. Both the French press and the American correspondents here have been told to “play down” Murphy’s trip to Africa and to make no reference to any “meeting with Weygand”. Fears of German reaction if much publicity is given his movements and mission were likewise expressed to Murphy by the Minister of Colonies and his assistants, who were most cooperative on the evening before his departure.

Matthews