189
740.00119 European war 1939/564
The Chargé in France (Matthews)
to the Secretary of State
[Telegram]
(PARIS) VICHY, November 1, 1940—5 p.m.
[Received November 2—6:15 p.m.]
872. My telegram No. 861, November 1, 11 a.m.
The Marshal's reply to the President's
message was sent off late last night to Ambassador Henry Haye. . . I quote the
text in translation as sent me with a covering Foreign Office note today:
"Reply addressed on November 1, 1940 by
Marshal Pétain to the message of President Roosevelt.
The Chief of the French State has received
the message of President Roosevelt sent to him through the Chargé d Affaires
of the United States.
Animated by the desire to preserve the
friendship which since the foundation of the United States has bound the French
people to the American people, he will refrain from calling attention to what
there is in that communication which might make him question the fair attitude
(dispositions, equitables) of the American Government. To answer the anxiety
of President Roosevelt, he desires to state that the French Government has
always preserved its liberty of action and that I knew that he might be
surprised at an appraisement as inaccurate as it is unjust. The French
Government has declared that the French fleet would never be surrendered and
nothing can justify questioning today that solemn undertaking. President
Roosevelt speaks of operations directed against the British, fleet. He
doubtless forgets that as a matter of fact the operations at sea which have
taken place as they did in the most unexpected manner were undertaken by the
British fleet. Furthermore, England has taken a position against France and
against her government which the French people cannot countenance. His
Majesty's Government lends its support to, Frenchmen, rebels against their
country, whose action, thanks to the aid of the British fleet and air force,
encourages the unity of her Empire. France—and her Government [having given?]
such assurances—will not engage in any unjustified attack
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but conscious of her duty she will see that her essential interests are
honorably respected.
The French Government remains very desirous
of maintaining the. traditional friendship which unites our two countries and
it will strive under all circumstances to avoid misunderstandings or interpretations
such as those which doubtless led President Roosevelt to address us this
message."
MATTHEWS