862.33/282: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:08 p.m.]
281. The following is an accurate translation of a note received yesterday evening in reply to Department’s request contained in your 124, February 21, 6 p.m. for categorical assurances that the French Government will under no circumstances again permit Axis vessels or airplanes to enter French territory in the Western Hemisphere:
“Vichy February 23. In reply to the aide-mémoire left on February’s by Admiral Leahy and after having made it clear that the landing on February 21 at Fort-de-France of a wounded person is in complete conformity with international law (article 15, convention X of The Hague of October 18, 190766), that no facility of any kind was given the vessel on which the wounded person was, and the fact that this landing was immediately brought to the attention of the American representative, Admiral Darlan has the honor to inform Admiral Leahy.
(1) That the German authorities have never requested the French Government for authorization to utilize any of the French possessions of the Western Hemisphere as a base of operations; (2) that these possessions have not served as bases for Axis forces for military, naval or air operations; (3) that the French Government, faithful to the neutral position which it intends to maintain, particularly insofar as the access to ports in French territory is concerned, will not authorize under any circumstances the utilization of French possessions in the Western Hemisphere by any of the belligerents as a base of operations. Darlan.”
This note appears to fail to give the “categorical assurances” requested and clearly stated by me orally and in writing to Admiral Darlan.