851V.00/9
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The British Ambassador called at his request.
I brought up the Djibouti matter and said that this Government is not disposed to interfere with British steps dealing with the French situation there provided the British did not get into a military clash with the French resulting in French blood being shed. I said that we were very much opposed to such a step, that it would play havoc with our situation in North and West Africa and materially affect the prosecution of the African campaign, if not the war itself. The Ambassador said he fully appreciated this view and personally agreed, adding that he would place the matter before his Government.