851T.00/54: Telegram
The Consul at Dakar (Flexer) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—12:17 p.m.]
479. Reference today’s 478. Declaration by the High Commissioner by radio Dakar at 12:15, November 23d:
[“] French men and women of West Africa. Since I took over the command of French West Africa my constant care has been the maintenance of French sovereignty in the territories which were confided to me.
It was this same care which inspired my decision, taken in full accord with the responsible military authorities, to place West Africa under the orders of Admiral Darlan.
This consideration, important as it is, would not alone have sufficed to bring us to this determination if we had not been certain that in doing so we were remaining true to the oath which we have given to the Marshal.
After my message there will be read to you the messages of Admiral Darlan through which there will be made clear to you the series of events and the definitions of the aims which he is adopting.
West Africa desires to take part in the realization of his plans. In doing so it will remain wholly and absolutely free from foreign occupation of whatever kind.
You have been thinking—I know it only too well—that your leaders have been slow in taking a stand. Today you will think, with better right, that they have passed through days hard to endure because of the responsibilities which they are taking over. Now that the decision has been reached, accept it with full seriousness. Think of France.
The path West Africa now will follow, together with North Africa, for the liberation of France and its Chief, will demand from all of you, however, a complete devotion of effort in absolute discipline.
Long live France. Long live the Marshal.”
This was followed by the following broadcast of General Order Number 16 of General Barrau, Commander in Chief of the land, sea, and air forces of the A.O.F. (French West Africa) Colony:
[“] The A.O.F. (French West Africa) has joined the North African bloc. The Governor General has made known the full reasons for his determining this course.
But no consideration would have been able to bring the General Commander in Chief to agree to that declaration if this act had seemed to him to be incompatible with military honor, and particularly with the oath given by the troops to the Marshal of France, the Chief of State, an oath from which no one can absolve them.
[Page 459]A careful study has made him completely certain that the action of the civil and military authorities of North Africa is entirely along the lines designed by Marshal Pétain.
Under these conditions the General Commander in Chief places himself and you, all of you, as well as all formations subject to your authority, under the orders of Admiral Darlan.”