851U.7962/8: Telegram
The Consul at Brazzaville (Taylor) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:13 p.m.]
62. Department’s 76;23 my 57,24 written before receipt by General Leclerc of telegram from London. Instructions referred to in my 57 are those received over period of several months and agree with certain portions of work undertaken.
On July 24 Secretary General Laurentie promised me copies of instructions regarding Pointe Noire, next day he refused after receiving telegram which was dated July 23. There is no mention of General Bolte in the telegram.
[Page 578]In my opinion General de Gaulle’s statement means nothing as technical questions have been freely discussed and easily solved here. The important question is financial. Free French have completed all work they expect to pay for. Nothing more will be done until method of payment is decided on and funds made available for construction, they also want definite signal from London to go ahead.
United States army officer in charge restless over present inactivity ordered SS Calhoun to leave Pointe Noire July 30 for Matadi to unload. Pointe Noire cargo will be held on board awaiting developments and a possible return.
Added at noon. Secretary General Laurentie has just received telegram from General de Gaulle as quoted in Department’s 76. Telegram requests consideration be given by Americans to aviation needs of colony. Despatch follows.