740.0011 European War 1939/11676: Telegram

The Minister in Egypt ( Kirk ) to the Secretary of State

647. My 462, May 11, noon. The Legation has been informed in strictest confidence that General Wavell59 has submitted for Eden’s60 approval the draft of a letter which he proposes sending within the next few days to the Governor of Djibouti stating that in view of the attitude of Vichy in respect of Syria it can only be assumed that a similar policy would be followed in the case of French Somaliland should the occasion arise and that in the circumstances further negotiation with the Djibouti authorities will be discontinued unless they decide to join the Free French movement. In the meantime Wavell warns that the blockade will be maintained, that efforts will be made to encourage Free French sympathizers in French Somaliland, and that no protests will be entertained regarding the maintenance of Free French forces in the area.

Wavell proposes to state in conclusion that the British have adequate supplies available for immediate shipment to Djibouti should the authorities there decide to rally to the Free French cause. It is understood in this connection that supplies in Djibouti are so low that they would probably only suffice for 2 or 3 months.

It may be observed that Wavell’s proposal would appear to be in line with the strong attitude adopted at long last by the British in respect of Vichy following German infiltration into Syria, other evidences of this changed policy being the bombing of Italian ships in Tunisian harbors and the reference in Eden’s May 29 speech to Syrian independence.61 In fact, there are certain indications that steps may even be taken by the British toward according to the Free French movement certain political recognition, a case in point being a plan now said to be under consideration in London for turning over French interests in Palestine to the Free French following the recent withdrawal of consular representatives of Vichy in that country.

Kirk
  1. Gen. Sir Archibald P. Wavell, Commanding General of the British Forces in the Middle East.
  2. Anthony Eden, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
  3. British Cmd. 6289, Misc. No. 2 (1941): Speech by the Rt. Hon. Anthony Eden … delivered at the Mansion House on May 29, 1941.