740.0011 European War 1939/11995: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 13—11 a.m.]
683. My telegram 680, June 12, 7 p.m., and 682, June 12, 8 p.m. Less than 3 hours after delivering the message and aide-mémoire to Marshal Pétain, the following note initialed by Admiral Darlan was delivered at the Embassy:
“The aide-mémoire transmitted June 12 sets forth the considerations which actuate the American Government with respect to the evolution of the situation in the Near East especially in Syria.
In reply to that communication, the French Government feels that it should in its turn draw the attention of the Federal Government to the following facts which seem of a nature to lead the American Government to appreciate more objectively the developments of present events in the Near East:
- 1.
- The German planes which flew over Syria or which landed there were without exception in transit toward Iraq; none of them was destined for Palestine or for Egypt. On the other hand no Syrian airfield has been used as a base of operations for German planes.
- 2.
- The French Government was informed by a sure source several months ago of the British intention to attack Syria or to incite internal uprisings which could furnish pretexts for intervention.
- 3.
- Syria has always loyally proclaimed its determination to defend the Empire by its forces alone against any foreign attack. It is in that spirit and with the same will that it is facing the attack of which it is subjected on the Syrian frontiers and it has expressly declined all offers of military assistance which were given it. It must, however, reserve in this connection all freedom of action in case the development of the situation should require new decisions on its part.
- 4.
- The French Government observes that the British forces opened hostilities without any prior ultimatum or even a warning. If, forewarned of hostile intentions, the French forces had not been on their guard, the English assailants would not have met with any military resistance.
- 5.
- The French Government believes as does the American Government that present events in Syria present a problem of a general character. It seems that it is sufficient for England to consider that the occupation of a territory placed under French sovereignty or authority is necessary to prevent a German initiative for it to attack it without other pretext or reason. The French Government feels certain that it should once more affirm its determination to defend by all the means of which it disposes all those of its territories which are the object of an aggression.
- 6.
- The French Government notes with regret that the American Government refrained from any representation or any observations when without any reason Great Britain:
Interned French sailors;
[Page 739]Attacked the French at Oran and Dakar;
Seized Gabon and New Caledonia, under cover of an undertaking partially led by French rebels in its pay.”
Repeat to Algiers.