Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, Europe, Volume III

740.0011 European War 1939/20316: Telegram

The Second Secretary of Embassy in the Soviet Union ( Thompson ) to the Secretary of State

Moscow , March 15, 1942—1 p.m.
[Received March 16—2 a.m.]

71. My 68, March 12, 3 p.m.⁴⁰ Garreau⁴¹ informed me yesterday that Molotov had sent for him and had received him with great cordiality. He told him that so far as the Soviet Union is concerned, de Gaulle⁴² is the true representative of the French people and that Russia desires the restoration of a strong France. He said that Molotov agreed in principle to a French division being sent to the Russian front provided the British were willing to release them. Garreau informed me that the matter has already been discussed with the British and that de Gaulle contemplates sending his best Syrian division.

Repeated to Kuibyshev.

Thompson

40. Not printed.
41. Roger Garreau, delegate of the French National Committee with personal rank of Minister; he had arrived in Moscow on March 8, 1942.
42. Gen. Charles de Gaulle, president of the French National Committee, leader of the Free French.