851.00/2810a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)
259. Your 552, April 16, 10 a.m.,58 has been given every consideration.
The Department is of the opinion that no room for doubt must exist in the American mind and, above all, in the French mind, that the focal point of the future of American-French relations is German control over any French Government dominated by Laval. Accordingly, failing contrary official instructions to you from Washington, the Department will tomorrow, April 17, issue a statement that in view of the reinstatement of Monsieur Laval into a dominant position in the Vichy Government, the American Ambassador at Vichy has been instructed to return to the United States “for consultation” as soon as Mrs. Leahy’s health makes this possible. Concurrently with the issuance of this statement here the short-wave stations in this country will broadcast to France in order that the fullest realization may be established in the minds of the French people as to exactly what will be the effect on American-French relations of Monsieur Laval’s return to office.
You are likewise authorized, in your discretion, to make use of the foregoing in such manner as you may deem expedient.
- Not printed; the Ambassador suggested it would appear advantageous to Embassy’s future relations with Vichy Government to delay announcement of his recall to the United States for consultation until beginning of the following week (124.51/235).↩