851B.20/5–1542
The United States Commander of the Caribbean Sea Front (Hoover) to the French High Commissioner in the French West Indies (Robert)83
Memorandum
In the light of the announced policy of the present Chief of the French Government at Vichy,84 looking toward further collaboration with Germany, it is no longer possible for the Government of the United States to maintain the present arrangements, entered into between Admiral Robert and Admirals Greenslade and Home, with [Page 626] respect to the French possessions in the Western Hemisphere, which have previously been considered satisfactory. Under these arrangements the French possessions might become the bases of axis aggression either upon notice given or upon the arrival of a new French High Commissioner. German pressure to that end must be expected and these possessions are subject to the orders of M. Laval which cannot be considered to represent the free will of the French authorities.
Provided certain conditions are met the Government of the United States is prepared to deal with the High Commissioner of the French Antilles and Guiana as the ultimate governing authority of these possessions on behalf of France and under the French flag but acting independently of Vichy.
These conditions are:
- (1)
- Effective measures under American supervision to immobilize the French war vessels and planes now in the West Indies.
- (2)
- Effective control over radio and telegraph communications by American authorities and mail censorship.
- (3)
- American supervision of commercial traffic, immigration and travel to and from the French colonies.
- (4)
- Activities of the French military and naval forces now in the colonies to be limited to necessary police duties.
- (5)
- French commercial vessels presently immobilized in the West Inaies to be made available on equitable terms for use by the United States.
- (6)
- The gold and French Government funds held in the French possessions be frozen and held for the ultimate use of the French people.
On its part the United States is prepared to agree:
- (1)
- That French crews may continue to live on board French warships; such ships to continue to fly the French flag and to remain French property. The United States will arrange for the repatriation of French military, naval or civilian personnel desirous of returning to France.
- (2)
- That Admiral Robert will be recognized as the ultimate governing authority of French possessions in the Caribbean on behalf of France. French law courts and civil authority will continue.
- (3)
- To enter into an economic arrangement to insure necessary supplies for the colonies—this arrangement to cover the trade between the French possessions and neighboring territories.
- (4)
- To purchase the principal exports of the French possessions and thereby assist in maintaining the economic life of the colonies.
It is necessary to require that a specific answer be given to the first of these conditions promptly, namely, that relating to the immobilization of the French war vessels and planes. An early reply to the other proposals which are subject to friendly negotiations will be appreciated.
[Page 627]The High Commissioner alone is in a position to make a peaceful arrangement safeguarding the interests of France and preserving these French possessions for the people of France. He will recognize that should he cease to control the situation the status of the territories might deteriorate to a point where the United States could no longer guarantee their retention by the French people.