740.00112 European War 1939/2453

The French Minister for Foreign Affairs ( Darlan ) to the American Ambassador in France ( Leahy )49

[Translation]
C.857/11

Mr. Ambassador: Referring to the conversations which have just taken place between the French and American Governments, with a view to ensuring the supplying of French North Africa with products originating in the United States, I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that the French Government attaches vital importance to the supplying of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco with overseas products. It is therefore disposed to take, in the territories of French North Africa, the measures necessary to ensure the execution of the provisions which, in the opinion of the Federal Government, condition this supplying, that is to say:

1
—No accumulation of surplus stocks in Algeria, Tunisia or Morocco;
2
—Consumption of the products imported and of similar products in French North Africa, and no reexportation of these products under any form whatsoever;
3
—Control by American representatives, in ports and on railways, of the above undertakings.

The French Government, moreover, takes note of the fact that the American Government is disposed to facilitate the supplying of French North Africa with essential products and, for this purpose, to free from French holdings in the United States the sums necessary to finance the purchases which will be effected on the American market in behalf of North Africa.

The French Government believes that its assent to the dispositions indicated above in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, will, within a very short time, permit the effective importation into North Africa of the products which correspond to the most urgent needs of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. These products appear in the enclosure hereto. The French Government therefore would greatly value knowing at what date the first shipment of merchandise corresponding to these needs will be effected.

It would be desirable if negotiations might be undertaken in Washington as soon as possible with a view to deciding upon the modalities which will permit, in effect, the supplying of all of the North African requirements in foodstuffs.

[Page 238]

I should appreciate it if Your Excellency would be good enough to acknowledge the receipt of this letter.

Accept [etc.]

F. Darlan
[Enclosure—Translation]

List of Urgent Requirements of North Africa

1— Sugar 30,000 tons
2— Gasoline for trucks 15,000
3— Petroleum 6,000
4— Gas-oil, diesel-oil and light fuel 12,000
5— Lubricating oil 2,000
6— Coal 60,000
7— Pitch 750
8— Coke 375
9— Paraffine 700
10— Binding twine 2,700
11— Iron wire 1,000
12— Spare parts for agricultural machines 300
13— Medicaments: according to needs.
  1. Transmitted to the Department by the Ambassador in his despatch No. 78, March 11; received April 2.