851D.001/74a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant )
2142. Will you please inform the British Foreign Office that Governor Rapenne of French Guiana has made known that he does not wish representatives of the Fighting French to arrive in his territory at this time. In this connection we understand that M. Bertaud, the Fighting French nominee, plans to arrive in Trinidad by British air service from Lagos, Nigeria, and states that his transportation has been arranged. The situation in French Guiana is quiet and it would appear that the stirring up of factional questions at this time could only lead to disunity and interference with the war effort. It is obviously better for Bertaud to remain where he is than for him to proceed to Trinidad and not be able to complete his journey from there. Please request the British to take the necessary steps to prevent Bertaud’s departure from Africa. If he has already left Africa it is requested that the British send suitable instructions to Trinidad.