740.0011 European War 1939/11657: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:50 p.m.]
627. Embassy’s telegram 626, June 4, noon. Monick is much disturbed at the possible effect of such declaration as Weygand advocates [Page 363] on the French public; if properly presented, he said, it may find considerable acceptance in France today. He said again that as this is the real turning point for France, he must, he feels, do everything he can “up to the last moment” to save the situation. He has therefore prepared a suggested statement—to be made public by our Government—which he has given us written in his own handwriting. He cannot, he says, know whether any such statement is in line with American or British policy, but if it is to be made it must be made quickly to inform French opinion before the Marshal’s declaration is given out.
This is the text of what he has written. I pass it along as of possible interest to the Department. It is at least indicative of the views of one intelligent Frenchman who still feels confident of an ultimate Anglo-American victory and it may contain ideas of practical use.
“The United States of America,
Having always profoundly admired what France has accomplished in Africa and the beneficial manner in which she has always administered her possessions and protectorates in Africa, respecting the rights of all races and religions,
And realizing that this humane policy today finds its reward in the loyalty to France, in her present misfortunes of the African populations, in the front ranks of which are their responsible chiefs, the Sultan of Morocco and the Bey of Tunis,
Profoundly desirous of seeing safeguarded for the future and protected from the suffering of war this work of consolidation carried out by France in Africa,
Understanding the difficult position in which France is placed today and the legitimate necessity of preserving at all costs the possession of her Empire, makes the following solemn declaration:
- 1.
- The United States has no territorial aspirations in French Africa. It will guarantee the solemn assurances which have just been given in this respect by Great Britain, that is to say, that she likewise has no territorial aspirations in French Africa and will in the future abstain from all action of a nature to prejudice French unity (no encouraging of dissidence in the colonies).
- 2.
- The United States desires that French Africa remain neutral for the whole duration of the war. It guarantees the assurances that Great Britain has just given in the most solemn manner that it will not attempt to utilize French Africa either directly or indirectly nor to obtain either land, naval or air bases, on condition that the other powers at war give the same undertaking and respect it.
- 3.
- If French Africa is thus neutralized, as the United States so ardently hopes, the latter will contribute on its part to safeguard and maintain its present prosperity, assuring its supply in these goods which are essential to it.
- 4.
- In case the neutralization of French Africa thus solemnly proclaimed by the United States should not be effectively assured, [Page 364] the United States would be obliged to reserve its liberty of action to take such measures as the protection of the Western Hemisphere requires.
The United States hopes that France will understand in what spirit of generosity and fidelity to that policy of traditional friendship between the United States and France which has never been disturbed by any war the foregoing declaration has been made.”
Monick did not even imply that the foregoing would have any effect on the French collaboration policy. He did feel, however, that it might have two possible results: (1) There is a very slight possibility that since Weygand’s action is based on the policy of protecting the French Empire he might thus reverse his decision, and (2) even if unsuccessful in practical effects it will clarify our policy to French opinion and have “a real influence on 40 million Frenchmen”. If following the statement events require us “to take action” against French colonies, the French, he said, will understand. Without some such declaration he thinks that a large part of the public here, who are coming more to agree with Laval’s policy of “continental Europe” and the necessity to end Franco-German enmity, will “accept” as necessary what the Marshal is doing.
Monick remains fully optimistic as to the ultimate outcome of the war and for this reason regards the present decision as tragic for France. He said that this would probably be “his last communication for us”; that the German Government has for some time demanded his recall from Morocco and he believes it will now come immediately. He added: “You should no longer expect any resistance from the Marshal or anyone else. The germs of vision which found their origin in the Armistice are doing their work. On only one thing is France united: Hope and confidence in the United States.”
Repeated to Algiers, Tangier, and Casablanca.