740.00112 European War 1939/4258: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:01 p.m.]
1630. I obtained this morning an interview with Marshal Pétain and Admiral Darlan together and discussed with the Marshal the reports (Algiers December 26, 12 midnight56) that 3600 tons of gasoline from French supplies in North Africa are to be delivered to Axis forces in Libya in violation of our economic agreement.
The Marshal did not seem to be familiar with the matter but Darlan stated that the only gasoline that will be delivered to Libya will be shipped by steamer from continental France which he said he is required to deliver in exchange for material that France has received from Germany. He said that he was frank in stating that the Germans had threatened to occupy Morocco unless they received such supplies and that the Vichy Government consequently felt itself [Page 503] obliged to comply. Admiral Darlan added, and the Marshal was in apparent agreement, that they felt that above all things, every step should be taken to avoid a German occupation of North Africa and they had consequently agreed to the shipment of this gasoline from France.
Replying to a direct question Darlan said he may report to the United States that the economic agreement in regard to North Africa will not be violated and that no petroleum products will be delivered to Libya except “small amount” from continental France. This does not appear to be in agreement with Murphy’s information that it is to be taken from military stock now in Africa, which latter appears more likely.
Darlan then referred to the Saint Pierre–Miquelon incident57 and said that Germany has already used the seizure of those Islands by De Gaulle as an argument for the entry of Axis troops into Africa in order that it may be protected against a similar invasion.
Darlan requested and the Marshal agreed that prompt action to return the Islands to Vichy sovereignty be taken by the United States in order that the above-noted argument by Germany may have no justification.
During this interview the Marshal appeared fatigued and even older than usual and Darlan as usual maintained control of the French statements of attitude and policy.
Repeated to Murphy.