811.91262/190: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Leahy) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 18—9:39 p.m.]
841. From Paris. Department’s 803, March 17, 6 p.m. Allen, accompanied by another newspaper correspondent, came to Paris last week from Vichy without the necessary authorization. Allen alone was apprehended by German authorities while trying to recross the demarcation line back to Vichy.
Allen’s action was deliberate and undertaken in full knowledge of the risks that he ran. German authorities take the view:
- (1)
- That anyone deliberately disregarding German military regulations must accept responsibility for his acts and not expect consideration will be given to any special pleading;
- (2)
- that special pleading could have no [apparent omission] anyway in view of the present state of relations between the United States and Germany.
They add that Allen will not be made a martyr by undue harsh treatment but that he may look forward to several months of detention, at least until his escapade loses all news value.
Under the circumstances, I am reluctant to make any official démarche as no good could be accomplished and I would only open myself to a rebuff on the ground that a sporting chance imposes a [Page 600] sporting responsibility. The Germans are also disposed to cite a connection between their attitude in this case and the Transocean case in the United States. Despite the foregoing I still hope that Allen may be able to arrange matters locally before contrary orders are received from higher authorities. Barnes.6
- Maynard B. Barnes, First Secretary of Embassy in France, in charge of the Embassy office in Paris.↩