740.00112 European War 1939/2767: Telegram
The Consul at Casablanca (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 27—12:15 a.m.]
209. When introducing new vice consuls in Rabat yesterday Monick and Du Gardier took occasion to discuss the seizure of the Schéhérazade;88 gloom was dense. They emphasized that this seizure probably [Page 352] will destroy the usefulness of Monick’s work, on which he said he has been working 8 months, to keep French North African economy going on a provisional basis, to provide a field for American activity both now and after the war and to keep out German influence. They pointed out that chief officials from Weygand down have so far been successful in turning down German proffers of “economic” collaboration solely because American supplies would be forthcoming.
They stated they had no information from Weygand following seizure of Schéhérazade but are convinced these territories will have to turn to German economic sphere unless we take immediate steps to supply them. For the time being quantities are much less important than some token shipments.
They added “collaborators” here are jubilant; latter say that seizure of Schéhérazade proves our proffers of economic assistance were only talk anyway and there is nothing now to do but accept German proffers.
In my opinion political results of denying supplies urgently needed for harvesting crops would be disastrous, probably most if not all of present chiefs, who are pro-American and to please us help in many British matters, would be superseded, and administration would become unfriendly.
May I inquire whether it is not possible for us to keep our supply for French Morocco with following points in mind:
- 1.
- Conditions in Syria and Lebanon (whatever they may be and regarding which the real [there is] little accurate information here) should not be permitted to affect our judgment regarding French North Africa at this time.
- 2.
- We have here a group of high officials who want to work with us; those who would succeed them, if our economic assistance [should not?] be forthcoming, probably would not.
- 3.
- We have here still a good chance to keep this area out of German hands for some time without too strict dependence on Vichy which is quite well understood at Rabat.
- 4.
- Merchandise needed here now is insignificant from our viewpoint, from viewpoint of British blockade and even for Germans if it should eventually go to Europe.
- 5.
- Maybe reports regarding French Morocco from outside sources are not accurate.
We have not yet had news from Murphy regarding Weygand’s reactions nor have we heard results of conversations between Weygand and Noguès this weekend but we submit the foregoing for consideration.
Repeated to Tangier and Vichy and latter requested to repeat to Algiers for Murphy’s information.
- The Schéhérazade had been seized by the British and taken to Bermuda.↩