740.0011 European War 1939/12652: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6 p.m.]
773. Embassy’s telegram 770, June 30, 1 p.m.48 The following official communiqué has just been issued:
“The French Government, having learned with certainty that the Soviet diplomatic and consular agents in France have been carrying on activities detrimental to public order and the security of the State, has decided to break off diplomatic relations with the U. S. S. R.
The French Ambassador at Moscow has been instructed to bring this decision to the knowledge of the Soviet Government while the Soviet Ambassador at Vichy has been informed thereof this morning, June 30, by Admiral Darlan, Vice President of the Council [of] Ministers, [and] Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
Arrangements have just been made in order that, on the one hand, Soviet representatives in France, and on the other hand, the French representatives in the U. S. S. R. may return to their respective countries under the most favorable circumstances.”
As a corollary action beginning early this morning, the French police authorities have been examining identity papers of all persons entering and leaving Vichy and we are informed that those of Russian nationality are being assembled in the Vichy stadium for more thorough examination.
Repeated to London, Moscow and Algiers.
- Not printed.↩