Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

740.00112 European War 1939/4517: Telegram

The Chargé at Tangier ( Childs ) to the Secretary of State

Tangier , January 28, 1942—8 p.m.
[Received 10 p.m.]

33. Legation’s despatches No. 475¹⁷ and 432 [532].¹⁸ My British colleague recommended to his Government that the approach mentioned in last paragraph, page 2, despatch No. 475¹⁹ be made. He has now hinted that the situation would not appear to be propitious to attempt any but the most restrained approach at the present time without raising any present hope of aid or inviting a request for such.

The situation which has developed within the last few days in Libya²⁰ appears to us all, including in particular, Colonel Eddy,^20a to make this an inappropriate time for us to raise the subject and we are accordingly taking no action at this time.

Full air mail report despatch no. 585¹⁸ leaving tomorrow.

Childs

17. Dated December 9, 1941, p. 439.
18. Not printed.
19. i. e., first paragraph on p. 440.
20. On January 21 German forces under General Rommel in Libya began the drive to the east.
21. Lt. Col. William A. Eddy, Naval Attaché at Tangier.
18. Not printed.