851.85/209b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)
280. At such time as you see the Marshal in connection with the Department’s No. 279, March 31,49 relating to the status of French vessels, or at another suitable opportunity, you should again emphasize the considerations set forth in the Department’s telegrams [Page 135] No. 229, March 15, 3 p.m. and No. 237, March 18, 7 p.m.,50 reiterating that any evidence that France is limiting its cooperation with the Axis powers to the bare terms of the obligations assumed under the Armistice, would facilitate the efforts of this Government to continue its program of assistance with France. Unfortunately, such recent measures as the continued use of French ships to transport supplies which accrue to the benefit of the Axis powers and are not called for under the provisions of the Armistice terms do not provide such evidence and give rise to doubt that the position of this Government and its desire to be as helpful to France as possible is fully understood. In this connection we have reference to the reported shipment of rubber on board the S. S. Bangkok and the delivery to Italy of 5,000 tons of gasoline from Algeria, and the German demands outlined in your telegram No. 366,51 which are in direct violation of the assurances given by General Weygand relating to the cargo of petroleum products on the Frimaire.
The Marshal will appreciate that our program of assistance which has already included the unblocking of funds, the economic understanding as regards North Africa, together with the shipment of petroleum products, and the transport on Red Cross vessels of flour and relief supplies for unoccupied France might have to be curtailed, delayed, or abandoned unless it is clear that the French Government fully appreciates the position of this Government.
The publication of the barter arrangements and Achard’s statement referred to in the Department’s No. 270, March 27 and your No. 359, March 28,52 is likewise creating a strong public opposition even to the despatch of the two flour shipments under Red Cross auspices, particularly since the agreement as reported contains no assurances that exports originating in North Africa and unoccupied France and destined for the occupied region are for French consumption nor is there any announced provision made for delivery into unoccupied France of materials which under this agreement must be furnished by the occupied area.