740.0011 European War 1939/22258: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 16—4:05 p.m.]
3351. We learn at the Foreign Office that shortly after the British operation in Madagascar and the initiation of our negotiations with Martinique, General de Gaulle sent an alarming communication to Brazzaville warning the authorities there of his suspicions with regard to future British and American intentions and the possibility that further measures of importance might be taken by one or both of our Governments affecting French territory. This resulted in a letter being addressed by the authorities at Brazzaville to the British Consul there informing the British Government of their loyalty to General de Gaulle and warning that any change in British policy toward the Free French which was not approved by the General would find no support in Brazzaville. Upon learning of this letter a few days ago, Eden had a talk with General de Gaulle in which the latter admitted his deep suspicions with regard to both British and American intentions. Eden succeeded in allaying these suspicions, according to the Foreign Office, as regards the British though de Gaulle remains anxious and uncertain with regard to future American plans. De Gaulle said that the fact that the British had declined to permit him to go to Brazzaville himself had not unnaturally led him to believe that they were planning “a second Madagascar without his knowledge”. He has now however, we are told, sent a more reassuring message to his authorities at Brazzaville.
Eden likewise endeavored to convince General de Gaulle that his recent press conference had been ill-advised and produced unfortunate results in the United States. The General however made no commitment to follow the advice offered, namely to refrain from airing his grievances in public.