702.6251R/15: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)
817. Your 1383, October 27, 9 p.m.2 You should seek the earliest possible opportunity to see the Marshal and to state that you have been directed by the President to discuss with him the present situation as regards Franco-American relations and to present certain observations on behalf of the President. These observations should be along the following lines:
“Mindful of the ever increasing pressure exercised upon France and its people by the harsh and brutal actions of the German Government, and of the Marshal’s efforts in endeavoring to protect his countrymen from the excesses of the New Order the apprehension of the American people with regard to certain developments must nevertheless be brought to his attention. This is done however with full recognition of his past and continuing endeavors to abide by the terms of the Armistice and to restrict further inroads upon French sovereignty.
The recent demands of the German Government for the establishment of German ‘offices’ not only in the remaining section of France still unoccupied by German troops but in France’s colonial territories of North Africa indicate, however, an apparent intention of the German Government further to penetrate French territory and French life. The Germans as well as all others know that it is the Marshal’s purpose to preserve the French Empire for France and their demands can only be interpreted as representing their desire further to assume control and domination of French territories, both on the Continent and in North Africa. The tragic experiences of other countries demonstrate all too clearly the results of German infiltration which, if allowed to proceed unchecked, ends in complete domination by the minions of National Socialism.
[Page 197]As Petain is aware, the policy of the American Government as regards France looks toward eventual free restoration to France and its people of all French territories; but if the French Government is forced by the Germans to make concessions which depart from the limitations imposed by the Armistice Convention, this Government must reluctantly consider that a turning point in our relations based on this policy is approaching because of the actions of the German Government and that steps are being taken which, if allowed to continue, will mean the eventual relinquishment of rights within France’s own Empire. Such a policy would, if carried out, defeat the aspirations of the French people to maintain the integrity of France and the French Empire and would constitute a severe blow to the hopes of the American people that France would be preserved as a nation.”
The foregoing is to be communicated by you to the Marshal if in your judgment it would be useful and expedient.
- Not printed.↩