851.85/384a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)
920. The following press release is being issued today:93
“As a measure of necessary protection to the crews and vessels, arrangements have been made to remove the French crews of all French vessels now in United States ports. This action does not preclude return of the crews to any vessel the resumption of service of which may be determined.”
It has been explained to the French Embassy that this measure was determined as necessary for the safety not only of the ships but of the crews themselves and that it does not apply to any of the vessels which may be engaged in supply service to the French West Indies. It was further pointed out that should the North African service be resumed the crews of the Leopold L. D. and the He de Ré could promptly be returned to that vessel.
You may wish to convey the foregoing promptly to the French Foreign Office.
- Department of State Bulletin, December 13, 1941, p. 519.↩