881.00/2724a
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Casablanca (Russell)
Sir: Reports have reached the Department that in certain parts of North Africa the attitude of the French authorities toward the native population is a source of friction and complaint. In view of the interest of this Government in the broad principles of the Atlantic Charter and the Four Freedoms,52 and in view of the close relation of the native question in North Africa to Arab problems elsewhere, you are requested to report fully on all political and social developments in your territory which affect the welfare of the native population.
The Department desires to be kept currently and completely informed concerning all phases of the local French administration, [Page 746] with particular reference to the treatment of the natives. While you should be careful to refrain from public criticism or active interference in French internal affairs, you may indicate in your contacts with French officials that the Government and the people of the United States have a natural interest in the native situation in French North Africa and that this interest may be expected to increase in the future.
Very truly yours,
- Contained in President Roosevelt’s message to Congress on the State of the Union, January 6, 1941, Congressional Record, vol. 87, pt. 1, pp. 44–47.↩