851.48/486: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
4696. Your 4607, September 29, 11 p.m. The French Government has replied to the offer of the Red Cross to supply in unoccupied France milk, vitamin concentrates and clothing for children only, and medical supplies for sick children and adults in the following terms:
“The Embassy of the United States has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm to it that the French Government gives its agreement to the conditions under which the aforesaid products shall be transported to, and distributed in, the unoccupied zone, these conditions being the same as those already approved by the French [Page 194] Government on the occasion of the arrival at Marseille of the shipments on the Cold Harbor and the Exmouth.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the honor to inform the Embassy of the United States that the French Government gives its agreement to the conditions indicated in the aforesaid note for the distribution of the products of the Red Cross of the United States.
It avails itself of this occasion to ask the Embassy of the United States to express to the American Red Cross its thanks for the generosity of which once again it is showing proof with respect to the French population.”
With regard to the supplementary conditions set forth in Allen’s telegram to the Red Cross, (your 4824, October 10),1 we are prepared to inform the French Government that the two conditions relating to publicity and that distribution must be made as supplementary and not as part of the rationing system are essential. This Government fails, however, to understand the condition that the Red Cross ship clear at Gibraltar. The cargo will have received prior approval of the British Government and the vessel is an American vessel chartered to the American Red Cross and proceeding purely on behalf of the Red Cross. Under the circumstances, there would appear to be no grounds for British naval inspection en route which, if insisted upon, would further complicate the matter.
You may also wish to take occasion to point out that recent publicity emanating particularly from the Ministry of Economic Warfare to the effect that American insistence is alone responsible for this breach in the blockade, scarcely accords with the views of the British Government as expressed in your telegram under reference.
- Not printed.↩