740.0011 European War 1939/13299: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 20—3:27 p.m.]
981. My June 7, 3 p.m. With reference to an item released by Reuter yesterday regarding renewed negotiations for the evacuation of French women and children from French Somaliland, the Legation learns from a British Embassy source that negotiations along these lines are taking place. Furthermore it is stated that the situation in Djibouti has shown marked signs of deterioration recently and that an early collapse would not be surprising. British hopes in this respect are somewhat offset, however, by the fear that, before finally giving in, the French authorities will blow up the harbor and railway facilities at Djibouti.