740.0011 European War 1939/10531: Telegram

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

505. Embassy’s telegram 500, April 30, 4 p.m. Monick called this morning following his interview yesterday afternoon with the Marshal.53 He said that he found the Marshal not unreceptive to his suggestion for an American declaration with respect to the maintenance of the status quo in Africa. In fact, he said the Marshal asked him to discuss the question with Du Moulin54 and to give him a memorandum. The Marshal might, says Monick (perhaps with undue optimism), make some answering statement in support of such a declaration.

Monick has accordingly prepared the following brief outline of what he hopes might be contained either in a speech of the President, [Page 324] or preferably a joint declaration by the American Republics if we consider that practicable. He requested that this be telegraphed for the Department’s consideration:

“The defence of the entire American Hemisphere obliges the American Powers to state in advance and in the clearest manner their position as regards Africa: That is to say, the vital interest which they attach to the full maintenance of the status quo on all the west coast of Africa (which implies the status quo in all French, Spanish, and Portuguese possessions in West and North Africa). These powers declare, as regards themselves, that far from having any intention of making any change in this status quo, they have already given the most definite proofs of the interest which they attach to the maintenance of the economic structure of these areas and of the peaceful stability of the present state of things.

“They declare, in consequence, that if the status quo in this part of the world should be disturbed by any foreign interference they would inevitably be brought to consider such an interference as a direct attack on the security of the nations of the American Hemisphere. They would then consider themselves in a state of legitimate defence and would act accordingly.

“Monick likewise feels that while it might be somewhat delicate to include such an indication, it might be feasible to imply without saying so to the extent of offending Spanish susceptibilities that the moment the foreign troops cross the Pyrenees the status quo in Africa is threatened. Obviously, he said, once the Germans go into Spain it would probably be too late to ‘save’ Africa since their minimum objective would certainly be Gibraltar and Spanish Morocco.[“]

I am complying with Monick’s request that this quoted suggestion be forwarded by cable in order that the Department may be informed in regard to the maximum action by America that the pro-British, pro-American French in North Africa hope for at the present time and in regard to their fears for the immediate future.

The difficulties to be encountered in this suggested action of Monick are easily apparent.

It is generally believed here that as soon as and if Germany can settle its difficulties in the Far Eastern Mediterranean it will move against Gibraltar and North Africa.

Embassy’s 500, April 30, 4 p.m., and above message repeated to Tangier and Casablanca.

Leahy
  1. Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain, French Chief of State.
  2. Henri du Moulin de Labarthfete, Marshal Pétain’s Chef de Cabinet