851.85/512: Telegram
The Consul General in Martinique (Malige) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:02 p.m.]
173. From Reber. Department’s 99, May 14, 6 [3] p.m. Of the six conditions presented to Admiral Robert, the first is in the process of accomplishment, numbers 3, 5, and 6 present no substantial difficulties as they do not greatly modify the agreements already in existence. Control of communications will be the principal point of discussion but I question whether it is necessary to send a commission solely for this. There are economic questions relating to licenses, etc., for discussion with the Board of Economic Warfare but these are dependent upon the conclusion of present negotiations.
Should it be agreed, however, to establish a commission the Department may wish to consider naming the Consul General here as the principal civilian member. He is fully acquainted with local problems and in any case will serve as the channel of communication with Robert when the present situation has been clarified. If he serves on the commission his future dealings with Robert would be facilitated.
In a preliminary discussion of the problem of communications with Robert he pointed out that even under the Armistice terms he was enabled to send messages to his Government of which the Germans had no knowledge and insists that some form of free communication for him is an essential requisite of the sovereignty which we have guaranteed to respect. If he is permitted something of this nature he might be prepared promptly to agree to censorship of other messages. This point might be brought out in answering his memorandum of May 14.91 In any case I suggest radio Guadeloupe be closed. [Reber.]