851R.50/27
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs (Villard)
| Participants: | General Hull,57 Operations Division, War Department |
| Mr. Murray, PA/M58 | |
| Mr. Villard | |
| Mr. Jernegan59 |
Mr. Murray raised the question of the future of the program of economic assistance to North Africa, now that military operations had developed in that area. He suggested that the problem was now largely of a military nature and that the War Department would probably find itself faced with the task of supplying the needs of the civilian population in the North African territories as soon as military operations ceased. Mr. Murray said that the State Department had a wealth of background, accumulated over the past two years, regarding the economic requirements of the North African area, which could be made available to the War Department if desired.
General Hull agreed that the matter was one which required the most careful attention of the War Department. He indicated that the problem would involve a study of the civilian needs in relation to the military supplies which must be transported to our forces in North Africa. General Hull said that all of these supplies, of whatever nature, would have to be convoyed to North Africa and that in view of the great demands placed upon the Navy, the type of supplies which would be sent to the area would have to be subjected to the closest scrutiny. General Hull said that he would be glad to make the necessary arrangements for the proper officers in the War Department to consult the State Department on this matter.
General Hull was fully familiar with the program of economic assistance which had been carried on in the past and with the status of the two French vessels which have been in New Orleans since August attempting to load supplies for North Africa. He was aware of the difficulties and delays which had been encountered in obtaining export licenses and which had resulted in the failure of the vessels to clear for North Africa before the commencement of military operations. General Hull stated that it was a great pity these ships could not have reached Casablanca a week or two ago, since their arrival with goods and propaganda material from America would [Page 434] undoubtedly have had a very favorable effect. He said that if the ships had reached Casablanca in time, it was possible that they would have been an important factor in lessening the resistance encountered in Morocco to our forces and consequently in reducing the unfortunate loss of life.