740.0011 P. W./269: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 19—12:40 p.m.]
911. I saw the Marshal at noon today and delivered to him orally in Admiral Darlan’s presence the message contained in your 575, July 16, 3 p.m. Both the Marshal and Darlan stated that they would make an effort to prolong the negotiations before making a definite reply to the Japanese demand but they did not believe that Japan will delay action beyond next week. The Japanese Ambassador has asked for a reply today but Darlan said he will frame a reply designed to gain time.
Darlan said that in his opinion Germany would not look with favor on a Japanese movement to acquire bases in Indochina and the Dutch East Indies and that one method of delay would be to ask advice from Germany although such action is difficult “because Germany is displeased with us at the present time.”
Admiral Darlan expressed his personal opinion that Japan will in the near future project a military campaign against Vladivostok, not an invasion of Siberia, and a naval campaign simultaneously against the Dutch East Indies in search of oil.
Prior to Admiral Darlan’s arrival, the Marshal in reply to a question as to whether or not Germany’s difficulties in Russia were easing the pressure on France stated that on the contrary it was making the Germans more difficult in their relations with France.
The Marshal appeared apprehensive and worried about Franco-German relations.
Repeated to Casablanca.