711.51/243: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Tuck) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:26 p.m.]
727.
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The fact that Laval’s pro-American policy has struck a snag has resulted in throwing Doriot77 and certain of his fellow collaborationists into sharp relief. These elements are becoming increasingly vocal [Page 186] in advocating a rupture of relations with the United States and for the moment are centering their efforts on a violent anti-British press campaign. Well informed political observers are in agreement that Doriot’s hat is now in the ring as a successor to Laval and Doriot’s party is believed to have received heavy subsidies from the Wehrmacht and Gestapo (reportedly 100,000,000 francs). Laval according to my informant is by no means unaware of this situation but that for the moment he has other fish to fry. He hopes in the next few months to solve the difficulty by means of Cabinet changes which would include Déat78 and perhaps even Doriot in the Government. Laval who is known for his ability in engineering such political reshuffles considers that these unfriendly figures are safer in the Government than out of it. According to the opinion of a former deputy such a Cabinet regrouping might also be designed to include elements taken from the various political groups extending from the Socialists to the extreme right, some of whom might be willing to accept Laval’s proposed economic program flavored with a mild dose of socialism.
Laval’s professed desire to maintain friendly relations with the United States brings to the fore certain considerations which I feel should not be overlooked in determining the character of our future relationship with this Government. As previously stated there are unmistakable indications that Laval does not enjoy the full support of the German Government which up to the present appears to have done little to facilitate his task. Unless Laval proves himself able to overcome these difficulties it is doubtful whether he will be able to remain in office. Reliable observers are in agreement that if he were to go his Government would be succeeded by one composed of arch collaborationists and probably headed by Doriot. Under such circumstances I can only assume that the fiction of our present diplomatic relationship would come to an abrupt end. I am still of the belief—and heartily endorse Ambassador Leahy’s opinion—that a continuance of diplomatic relations is for various reasons desirable provided of course this Government refrains from lending military assistance to our declared enemies.
I therefore respectfully suggest that if and when the present situation in the Martinique78a is satisfactorily settled the Department may wish to consider the advisability of issuing a conciliatory statement which might possibly take the form of a declaration of friendship and solidarity with the French people. No matter how general or purposefully vague the terms of such an announcement might be it would unquestionably have the effect of producing a much needed détente in our present relations with this Government which I venture to point [Page 187] out are now assuming so strained a character that it is difficult to understand how long they may continue to be maintained.
I sincerely hope that I have not created the impression that I am over-confident of Laval’s honesty of purpose—far from it—but I honestly believe that it would be tactically advisable for our Government (and for our press) to moderate their present attitude towards Laval in the hope of forestalling the alternative of an even less favorable regime.
Repeated to London and Murphy.