740.0011 European War 1939/6348: Telegram
The Consul at Leopoldville (Mallon) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—2:35 p.m.]
In reply to the Department’s telegram of October 30 all of Gabon except Libreville, Port Gentil, Njole and Lambaréné have joined De Gaulle movement, please see my despatch of September 25.22
De Gaulle forces surrounded and bombed the 2 inland posts probably about a week ago in attempting to take the 2 seaports which are defended by 2 submarines and a sloop. Attack by sea may be made if naval forces are available. Very little fighting, few casualties and no British troops involved.
Little information available but failure of the expedition would be a severe blow to prestige of De Gaulle.
- Not printed.↩