851B.20/138b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General in Martinique (Malige)
252. For Reber. Please inform the High Commissioner that in spite of the action of the Vichy Government in severing diplomatic relations with the United States, this Government with the President’s approval is prepared to continue to maintain relations with the territories under Admiral Robert’s jurisdiction on the basis of an unsigned “gentlemen’s agreement” along the lines of the draft upon which substantial agreement had been reached prior to November 8. In view of the imminent full German occupation of France, this Government regards any French regime which the Germans may permit to function in metropolitan France as being under the complete domination of Hitler and therefore not a sovereign independent Government. In the circumstances this Government could not consent to the maintenance of communications in code between Admiral Robert and any such regime.
We are prepared at once to examine with the High Commissioner, in the same spirit as in the past, whatever aspects of our relations may be necessitated by the new situation, including discussion of the means of providing him with funds and facilities to enable him to satisfy the economic needs of the Antilles and Guiana in this country.
Upon obtaining Admiral Robert’s assent to the procedure outlined above you should return to Washington immediately.
For Malige
Upon Reber’s departure please consult with Admiral Robert as circumstances require and submit any recommendations which you may care to make looking toward the fulfillment of the general policy outlined above.