740.0011 European War 1939/26450: Telegram

The Consul at Aden (Timberlake) to the Secretary of State

49. Have seen telegraph from London Foreign Office which states Platt’s instructions are to throw French Somaliland to de Gaulle “using all means short of serious bloodshed”. Please note use word serious.

I feel very strongly the apparent British willingness to sacrifice not only the fate of French Somaliland but also the present strong desire of its people to cooperate in the Allied war effort to the satisfaction of a purely political deal or promise to de Gaulle.

Please await end my telegram No. 48 before instructing me further. A few days will make no difference here.

Date this telegram December 13, 6 p.m.

Timberlake