851D.20/24: Telegram

The Consul at Cayenne ( LaMont ) to the Secretary of State

18. My telegram number 17.27 Committee composed of Mayor28 as chairman, five other natives with Parfaite and Freuchet representing French officials, believe urgent that Giraud send new Governor and staff at once by plane to insure stability.

The Governor, Marchesseau, Balland, Michel, and Claveri, their wives and Governor’s daughter are going. The committee declined to be responsible for their safety unless they would leave and Governor agreed. However the Governor still fearful safety of his entourage and it is believed that they should be gotten out with utmost speed.

The Government so discredited especially by our radio broadcasts for Antilles and Governor’s action came so late that it rapidly became apparent during the day that he and staff could no longer remain in office.

Mass meeting was held this evening after which crowd passed before Brazilian and this Consulate cheering and singing Marseillaise. They then disbanded and Cayenne now appears calm.

I asked Committee if they needed troops from outside [to] preserve order and they said no. However, as they are now our ally apparently no objection unlimited use of air field, our Air Force and possibly Army will wish to send someone to make arrangements.

Sent to Department. Repeated to Rio de Janeiro, Algiers, Paramaribo.

LaMont
  1. Supra.
  2. Ulrich Sophie.