740.00112 European War 1939/2490
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs (Murray) to the Under Secretary of State (Welles)
Mr. Welles: M. Paul Guerin, who, as you know, is attached to the French Embassy to carry on the discussions regarding economic collaboration with French North Africa, called at the Department today to leave a list of the supplies most urgently needed. At the same time he left a memorandum concerning the proposed means of financing these supplies.89
During the course of the conversation it was mentioned to M. Guerin that reports regarding the entrance of German agents into French Morocco were making difficult the success of the discussions regarding the proposed plan. M. Guerin said he thought it would be possible for the French Government, through the Ambassador here,89a [Page 271] to give the Department official assurances that no more German agents would be permitted to enter North Africa. He inquired whether such an assurance, which he said could not of course be made public, would help toward a solution of the matter and toward the successful conclusion of the negotiations. He was told that the question would be explored and some indication of the Department’s views would be given him as soon as possible. Meanwhile he said that he would explore the matter with the Ambassador and upon learning that we would welcome such assurances he would be glad to let us know what form they might take.
I should be appreciative if you would let me know whether you consider it desirable to obtain such assurances. My own point of view is that they would be very helpful and would be particularly welcome by the British.