740.00112 European War 1939/2421: Telegram
The Consul at Casablanca ( Stanton ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 30—9:52 a.m.]
124. The following telegram has been sent to Vichy.
Reference our 117, March 26, 8 p.m., to Department, have confirmation Italian tanker arrived Algiers yesterday to load 5000 tons gasoline for Tripoli. Transaction said to have been agreed upon in principle some months ago as repayment loans for amount gasoline from Italy to France. Our informant has reason to believe that Weygand may not approve of this shipment in view recent agreement with United States but that it might be made without his knowledge. Tanker captain said to have given required 48 hours’ notice of [Page 280] loading at 7:10 p.m. last night. Since such notice should be given before 7 p.m. possible loading may be delayed until Tuesday morning. You may wish to repeat to Algiers with appropriate instructions.
Repeated to Department and Tangier.