851B.20/24: Telegram
The Consul General in Martinique (Malige) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:05 p.m.]
163. From Reber. Admiral Hoover is reporting direct to Commander in Chief regarding results of the conference this morning with Admiral Robert to whom the text of the note contained in the Navy Department’s message of May 8 was delivered at 16:15 Greenwich time.81 The High Commissioner is telegraphing the text of the message to Vichy and asking for instruction. It is hoped that the reply can be received in time to arrange a second meeting on Monday82 although it may be delayed by the intervening national holiday in France tomorrow. Unless otherwise instructed, I shall remain in Fort-de-France until the reply is received.
Judging from the preliminary conversations this morning it is apparent that Admiral Robert will not act independently of his Government and will carry out whatever orders he receives from Vichy.
Please inform Navy. [Reber.]