740.00112 European War 1939/7492: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General in Martinique (Malige)
275. Please take up the following matter with Admiral Robert at the earliest possible moment.
[Page 651]Military operations in North Africa, involving the temporary suspension of trade and communications with Metropolitan France, have brought about abrupt and serious changes in the economic life of that French territory. It is the earnest desire of the United States Government, as it must be of all true Frenchmen, to minimize to the fullest possible extent the economic shock to the civilian population of French North Africa. To this end the United States Government is bending every effort toward providing those imports which are most urgently needed, namely, petroleum products, wheat, foodstuffs, textiles and medical supplies destined for distribution to the civilian population.
In this connection the question of shipping is obviously of the greatest importance and it is believed that Frenchmen in the Antilles would wish to play their part in alleviating the economic difficulties of their fellow citizens in North Africa, particularly when such cooperation with the efforts being made by the United States Government can result in the resumption of communications with Africa.
It is obvious that vessels proceeding to French African ports cannot do so without some form of naval protection. We should be glad to discuss with Admiral Robert the possibility that his own units might assist in providing such protection but in any case merchant vessels to North Africa would be obliged to follow routing to be established for each voyage by the United States Navy, which might include joining a convoy. It would also be necessary that the vessels themselves carry some protection in accordance with United States naval requirements. It is realized that it will take some time to condition and place vessels now unused in the Antilles in such a service but it is understood that at least two of the tankers could be made immediately available to proceed to a United States port for conditioning and to transport petroleum products to the civilian population of North Africa. We wish to emphasize in this connection that the use of these tankers and the two French merchant vessels will specifically contribute to the needs of the French civilian population in North Africa. It is recognized that this proposal involves a further degree of collaboration with the United States than Robert has up to the present been prepared to give, but we must emphasize that in order to provide adequately both for French civilians in North Africa and the Antilles a further degree of cooperation is essential. Such cooperation would likewise facilitate the solution of other problems which may arise in addition to those technical questions connected with the maintenance of relations with the United States that are in the course of adjustment at present. The use of these tankers and other ships with French crews and sailing under the French flag need not involve greater collaboration [Page 652] between the French authorities in the Antilles and the French authorities in North Africa than is desired by either party.
You may also inform the High Commissioner that arrangements have been made to permit the departure to the Antilles of some 500 French nationals who have been awaiting transportation in Morocco for some months. It is expected that they will shortly arrive in this hemisphere. If the Sagittaire and the Oregon equipped with adequate protective means are to operate they could transport Antilles passengers and cargo. More frequent voyages than envisaged under the gentlemen’s agreement would be contemplated, provided the French authorities are willing to accept protection afforded by the United States Navy and to follow its requirements in that respect.
If Robert is willing in principle to accept some such proposals, details will be elaborated later.