740.0011 European War 1939/10844: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:10 p.m.]
192. Doolittle66 saw Colonel Truchet, many years French head Native Affairs Tangier, now Weygand’s staff here, who returned from [Page 332] Vichy Friday. He developed same theme as Monick with one important change.
“Sole hope North Africa, American intervention with 500 tanks, 1,000 planes and strong naval forces. However, no declaration should be made about our interest in African coast until forces are ready to land as such declaration would precipitate German action. German divisions now reported massing in Pyrenees, presumably for move through Spain.
He also stated presence Abd-el Krim67 in Fez would be worth two divisions against Spanish and further that French Navy rapidly turning towards United States and like Army would gladly work with us.”
On way from Morocco Doolittle learned new Germans there are settling in large groups at Fedala, Port-Lyautey, Boulvant, all oil installations. He reports Spanish friends informed him German action expected North Africa before end May. If so, situation appears hopeless unless effective aid available now.