740.00112 European War 1939/2845: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Algiers (Cole)
125. Your 222, May 30, 1 p.m. For Murphy. Please call immediately on General Weygand and inform him that the proposed program of economic aid to French North Africa is to be resumed. Goods on the urgent and immediate list are to go forward as planned, with the exception of two items, namely, green tea and coal-cutting machinery, concerning which further discussions appear to be necessary. Because of a renewed apprehension in certain quarters that stocks may be [Page 366] unduly built up in the North African territories, the supplies listed on the quarterly quotas may require additional consideration. As matters now stand, it is proposed to send them forward on a reduced scale and in accordance with the availability of shipping for the New York–Casablanca traffic.
Arrangements have now been made for the Ile de Noir-Moutier to sail from New York about June 7 with the first cargo of urgently needed supplies. At the same time, the Ile d’Ouessant is expected to clear for Norfolk, where it will take on a cargo of coal for Casablanca. The problem of obtaining other vessels for this traffic remains acute, but it is expected that the Leopold L. D. and the Ile de Ré, now at Marseille, will be ordered to supplement the vessels above mentioned.
We have taken up with the British Government the question of the release of the Schéhérazade and hope that this vessel will shortly be permitted to resume its voyage from Bermuda. We have received written assurances from the French Embassy98 that all ships engaged in this North African trade will return to the United States within a period of 10 days. On our part, we are giving assurances that such vessels will not be molested in American waters.
In as much as the plan of economic assistance is again going forward, you should return to Casablanca as soon as practicable. A total of 12 vice consuls will soon be waiting at that port.
We should like to know whether you have had an opportunity to discuss with General Weygand the proposed extension of economic aid to French West Africa, as outlined in the Department’s telegram no. 122 of May 10 to you at Casablanca. Action on this matter is being deferred pending your reply.