812.79600/8–2745

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy ( Forrestal )

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I regret the delay in replying to your letter of August 27, 1945,33 indicating the intention of the Navy Department to withdraw naval personnel from Clipperton Island at an early date. This delay was due to clerical error, as a result of which your letter did not come to the attention of the appropriate officers of the State Department until September 18.

In compliance with your request, the Ambassador of the French Republic34 is being immediately informed of the Navy Department’s [Page 794] intention to withdraw naval personnel from Clipperton Island at an early date in view of the changed military situation in the Pacific.

In requesting the State Department to inform the Navy Department concerning the time when naval personnel can appropriately be withdrawn from Clipperton Island, I assume that you have in mind the effect which the maintenance or withdrawal of these men might have on any future negotiations with the French concerning the ultimate use of the Island. As you are aware, the presence of American naval forces has been a source of friction with the Provisional Government of the French Republic, and the State Department is of the opinion that any future negotiations would be aided rather than harmed by the immediate withdrawal of our forces now that their military mission has been accomplished. In the circumstances, I would strongly recommend that all American naval personnel be withdrawn from Clipperton Island as quickly as possible, and I shall appreciate being informed when this has been done.

Sincerely yours,

Dean Acheson
  1. Not printed.
  2. Henri Bonnet.