851T.00/51: Telegram
The Consul at Dakar (Flexer) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2—7:11 p.m.]
468. Following is a summary of significant address by High Commissioner Boisson at St. Louis, Senegal, October 28.
[Page 411]Working up from the evacuation of women and children from Dakar (my telegram 458, October 28, 8 a.m.) begun that day he placed responsibility for this defense measure on British policy of “gages” rather than on specific information of imminent attack. Madagascar was cited and French West Africa might be next victim of aggression under this Anglo-Saxon policy of “gages.”
The latest reports may be by negotiation and “the English are occupied with replacing their lost cards by putting cards taken from the French into play”. The value of the Dakar–French West Africa card in Anglo-Saxon hands will not be misappreciated. France holds that card and Boisson says “loudly” that he will not allow it to be taken. He wants it understood that the defense will not be a demonstration for honor. French West Africa will be defended to the end.
French West Africa he stated is absolutely essential to destiny of France. With it lost what would be the figure at the peace table with naught but the metropolitan territory.
He said that history will not permit credence of the British announcements following each snatching of a French possession that it will be returned after the war. “To the traditional egoism of English policy there are added momentary necessities: The British Empire as we have known it is a thing of the past and nothing or no one can stay its frittering.” In view of the inadequacy of British assistance Australia has turned to the United States; tomorrow’s position of Canada and South Africa he says conjectural. England cannot live without Empire and if the present one disappears her objective is to build up one of substantiation.
Surest way of keeping something is by holding it oneself; therefore French West Africa will not be abandoned.
Boisson concludes with call for unity. Destiny has given French West Africa privileged role of saving France by defending itself. The spirit must be that of Verdun. “It is as necessary for France to hold Dakar today as it was essential to hold Verdun in 1916.”
Text and translation by air mail. Please see my telegram No. 462, October 29, 9 a.m.17
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