Office of the Historian

862.24/563: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State

Vichy, February 6, 1942—9 a.m.
[Received 9:19 a.m.]

193. We learned last night from a source which we consider thoroughly reliable that the French Government has entered into some form of accord with the Axis Powers whereby French ships are being used for the transport of munitions and supplies from France to Tunis, presumably destined for Rommel’s12 forces in Libya.

We expect to obtain further information on this matter today. The Department’s attention is invited in this respect to telegram no. 192, February 6, 9 a.m.13 from our Naval Attaché.14

Repeated to London and Casablanca for Murphy.

Leahy
  1. Marshal Erwin Rommel, Commander of German Forces in Libya.↩
  2. Not printed.↩
  3. Comdr. Abel Sabalot.↩