740.00112 European War 1939/2725a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Casablanca ( Stanton )
122. For Murphy. The Embassy at Vichy has received a note from the Foreign Office expressing interest in the proposal to supply commodities to French West Africa and indicating that the two conditions upon which such supplies are contingent are acceptable, that is to say (1) control of imports by the consular authorities of the United States and (2) return of ships to their port of departure. The French Government proposes that this new plan be initiated by the shipment of certain petroleum products which would be carried by one of the tankers now at Martinique. The French Government would submit subsequently a list of other products including foods and industrial materials which are indispensable to the economy of French West Africa.
This whole question has been discussed with the British Embassy which has now received instructions from London. While the British are prepared in principle to go ahead with the plan for economic cooperation with French West Africa, they point out that it would be impossible for them to agree to supply that territory with fuel oil and other petroleum products which would be used by the French merchant marine to transport to unoccupied France, for eventual shipment to Germany, large quantities of ground nuts and edible oils. In view of our own policy of extending all possible aid to Great Britain we naturally take the same view. It is desired, therefore, that at the earliest opportunity you discuss this problem with General Weygand and ascertain whether he has any suggestions which might be helpful.