851.48/486: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
4009. From Norman Davis. It is important to settle the following matter as soon as possible because the position of the Red Cross is becoming embarrassing and if we are not to continue in unoccupied France we must withdraw without further delay and state why we are doing so. Will you consider the following memorandum with Eden and cable me your opinions that I may discuss the issue again with the President:
“Referring to Eden’s letter to you in reply to the President’s message to Lord Halifax concerning milk for children in unoccupied France, we appreciate the political difficulties for the British Government in consenting to shipment of milk to unoccupied France while refusing to permit shipments to the occupied territories of allied powers. I may point out, however, that insofar as concerns the American Red Cross, there is a considerable difference between supplying milk for children in occupied territories and in unoccupied France.
“Regardless of the blockade, the American Red Cross discontinued relief efforts in occupied territories and is not disposed to resume them, as we were too hampered in our activities and could not have adequate control over our operations. On the contrary, our operations in unoccupied France have been satisfactory because we have had adequate freedom and control. While publicity there has been meagre for the past 2 or 3 months, it has not kept the French people from knowing and appreciating what we were doing to assist them. There is conclusive evidence that what we have done has benefited the French children immeasurably and contributed greatly to keeping up morale. They know that was done through the cooperation of the American and British Governments and are most grateful. Allen can give first hand information about this.
“Our information is that the best opinion in occupied countries is against lifting the blockade against them and thus aiding Germany. Aside from the humanitarian value of Red Cross supply of milk to children in unoccupied France, our Government feels that it does not aid Germany but is of great importance in counteracting German [Page 192] propaganda, particularly at a time when French public opinion is running more in favor of the allies. It also serves to link a small area in France with what is being done in French North Africa. The Government also feels that this milk program for children, which because of a scarcity of supply here must necessarily be limited, serves as a useful means of maintaining its contact with the Vichy Government.
“Although the President, the Secretary of State and the American Red Cross all feel it would be wise, regardless of the attitude of the Vichy Government, to continue, at least for the present, a limited supply of milk, etc. for children, and that it would have a very harmful effect on French morale to terminate our Red Cross operations, which have been carried on satisfactorily and without interference for more than a year, and which were instituted with the approval of the British and American Governments, we are all reluctant to assume the moral responsibility of urging this further upon the British Government if, as indicated, it still thinks it would be unwise and politically embarrassing.”
Hull