751.61/335: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State

778. Embassy’s telegram 773, June 30, 5 p.m.; and 777, June 30, 1 [8] p.m.49 In giving the French side of the picture Rochat50 told us this afternoon that the French Government had been led to break off diplomatic relations with the Soviets because of the increasingly active efforts engaged in by Communist leaders in France, particularly in the occupied zone, all of which activities are in one form or another directed against the French Government. He said that the French know that these activities are directed by the Russian Embassy here. For that reason very “strong measures” he said are being taken today and several thousand Communists and suspected Communists are [Page 179] being rounded up all over the country. He wished to assure us, however, that immediate steps are being taken looking toward careful examination of those picked up and those arrested by error will be promptly released.

He denied that the break in diplomatic relations has any connection with the Russo-German war or Germany’s endeavors to line up as much of Europe as possible in the Nazi crusade against Bolshevism. He even denied that there had been the “slightest suggestion” on the German side that the action be taken. In fact he maintained in reply to our question as to the reasons for the timing of this precipitate action it is precisely to forestall any German initiative in that sense that the French Government has acted with such swiftness “to remedy a situation calling for drastic action”. Until a week ago he said Germany and the Soviet Union were on friendly terms, which fact had served to prevent the present breaking off of relations.

Rochat went on to say that the practical question of the return of the members of the Russian Embassy seems to offer two solutions: one, to send them via Spain and Lisbon where they can presumably obtain a ship enroute home, or secondly, that the British or some other country send a ship to Port Vendres or Sète to pick up the party. The ship he said would not have to be a large one inasmuch as the entire personnel of the Russian Embassy would not exceed 84. It was this second alternative which the French Government prefers and he specifically requested that our Government approach the British Government in this connection. The members of the Soviet Embassy here will not, he added, be allowed to leave France until Bergery and his staff leave Russia.51

Leahy
  1. Latter not printed.
  2. Charles Antoine Rochat, Secretary General of the French Foreign Office.
  3. The exchange of Missions was arranged, and the French were due to leave Moscow on July 16, 1941, for the Turkish frontier.