851.00/2491: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—9:57 a.m.]
1458. Your 863, November 20, 5 p.m. In reply to your question, it is my opinion that by remaining here for the present I may possibly be able to exercise on the Marshal a restraining influence, counter to additional demands for collaboration in Africa which are generally expected in the near future.
British success in the African campaign which from available information today seems possible should weaken the collaborationist group. It appears certain that the maintenance here of an Ambassador pending developments in the Libyan campaign should be advantageous whether or not we can, through our favorable contacts, exercise any influence on the situation.