124.51/234a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Leahy)
254. With the return of Laval to the French Government the situation foreseen in the Department’s telegraphic instruction No. 214, of March 27, 4 p.m. has arisen and you should be guided accordingly.
The State Department is informing the press immediately that the President has ordered you to return to the United States “for consultation” and it is hoped you may leave Vichy at an early convenient moment. You should inform the French Government that Mr. Tuck will assume the duties of Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
You may inform your staff that while this present instruction only affects you the developing situation may well necessitate further withdrawals of personnel.
Please let me know if there is anything we can do from this end to facilitate Mrs. Leahy’s and your journey to the United States.