851A.01/17: Telegram
The Minister in Canada (Moffat) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:45 a.m.]
313. I am told this morning at the Department of External Affairs that the Canadian Government was shocked and embarrassed by the action of Admiral Muselier in occupying St. Pierre-Miquelon. When he was recalled from Ottawa to London on the 18th he had despite a natural disappointment accepted the veto against occupying the islands and had asked for air transportation across the Atlantic. He was on his way to Newfoundland to take a bomber when the incident occurred. The Canadian supposition is that when the unconfirmed reports of Petain’s resignation reached him he decided to take the bit in his own teeth regardless of American or Canadian wishes. The Canadians feel that his action was so close to a breach of faith on the part of Muselier that it cannot fail to embarrass their future relations with the Free French. Mr. Mackenzie King is particularly upset and plans to discuss the subject in Washington tomorrow.