740.0011 European War 1939/26175: Telegram
The Consul at Aden (Timberlake) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2—7:50 a.m.]
Djibouti will probably collapse within a week. Since Friday 1,500 Senegalese and 600 French officers troops have crossed border to Eritrea and British Somaliland. Last estimated garrison was [Page 597] 5,000 Senegals, 1,000 French. Alisa Biyet garrison expected come over momentarily. Reports indicate Djibouti has announced troops may leave and those departed report no interference.
Governor Nouillhetas has been in France for last month, Antoine probably acting for him. Army nominally under Truffert but it is reported that General Dupont has assumed charge.
Aden naval and air patrols off coast are prepared stop ships making for Yemen. Believe Italian Armistice Commission and anti-Allies elements may try such escape.
Governor and A.O.C.48 Aden informed me this a.m. absolutely no negotiations or talks going on with Djibouti, that Aden will take no initiative this respect but would lend attentive ear if approached by Djibouti. General Piatt49 Twelfth Division Nairobi advised A.O.C. 2 days ago he was “letting developments take normal course”. British hence appear to await French approach.
Local rumor unconfirmed says Djibouti negotiating with Americans and/or Darlan.50 I know … settlement would be easier and perhaps hastened if French thought Americans, British or Darlan would conduct negotiations.