740.00112 European War 1939/2231a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)

161. It is now expected that Murphy will see General Weygand in Algiers possibly on February 23. In the meanwhile you are requested to convey to Marshal Pétain the concern expressed here over reports reaching this Government to the effect that the arrival of German personnel in French North Africa, particularly in Casablanca, would indicate a German infiltration, which if established might, in fact, destroy the basis of confidence on which we are attempting to negotiate the agreement for supplies to North Africa.

You may wish to report the substance of your conversation direct to Murphy, who is today in Tangier.

Hull