862.33/232: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)

131. Your 281, February 24, 10 a.m. You should immediately address a communication to the Foreign Office in response to the aide-mémoire quoted in your telegram under reference. You should state that the aide-mémoire in question fails in the opinion of the American Government to give the categorical assurances requested by it that under no circumstances or conditions would the French [Page 615] Government again permit Axis vessels or airplanes to enter French ports or French territory within the Western Hemisphere. It should be repeated that without such assurances given and maintained it will be necessary for the Government of the United States to take such action as may in its own judgment be necessary in the interests of the defense of the United States and the security of the Western Hemisphere. The attention of the French Government may also be drawn to the persistent rumors relating to the presence of German submarines in the territorial waters of French Guiana, the strengthening of a military garrison there and increased supplies of gasoline.

It may be pointed out in this connection that although it is specifically stated by the French Government that it will not authorize the utilization of any French possessions in the Western Hemisphere by any of the belligerents as a base of operations, it has nevertheless failed to permit this Government to send a consular officer to French Guiana who would be in a position to obtain authentic information which, it is hoped, would give clear proof that French territory is not being used for this purpose.

Welles