740.00118 European War 1939/754: Telegram

The Consul at Leopoldville (Mallon) to the Secretary of State

For Miles from Cunningham.

“Reference your October 23, 11 p.m. Have given only one press interview to Sedgewick New York Times whom I know and trust. Statements made to him were based on facts which I have found and verified. I saw his copy before he sent it and it had my approval based upon my knowledge and judgment. I am not responsible for whatever news editor may have done with his text. As to my duty I have spent 16 hours per day finding and classifying facts in a country where most people cannot work more than 6 or 8 per day and my conscience is clear. We are received everywhere as ‘American Mission’ and arithmetic having made me senior member I am recognized as Chief of Mission. Before I left United States, Atherton, State Department, said to me ‘Remember, you are Chief of the Mission’. Have just completed over 8,000 kilometers of fact finding and results will follow day by day. Leave again Wednesday54 for more fact finding. [Cunningham.]”

Mallon
  1. November 5.