851V.01/1: Telegram
The Consul at Aden (Timberlake) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10—8:24 a.m.]
47. My 46, December 6.51 Entered French Somaliland 6 p.m. 6th; returned Aden p.m. today.
Briefly situation excellent for opening negotiations, majority French favor active support so long as “French” sovereignty retained, all acknowledge Vichy no longer speaks for France but French reverence for person of Pétain52 must be respected, first approach should be American or Anglo-American, and not include Darlanists or, especially, de Gaullists. Either might be worked in later. Threat of attack now would preclude negotiations and French would fight.
[Page 599]Food adequate for 6 months, medical position good.
British General Platt very worried during my visit in spite of fact my instructions clearly understood here beforehand. Have already seen Platt at Harar his urgent request yesterday; have told him enough to allay all anxiety establish very friendly relations. Worry result of local report December 4 which I had heard that Djibouti was “negotiating” with me. Report put out in Djibouti to placate people and stop desertions. Categorically denied truth to Governor on 4th and 5th and then when Department’s orders received gave Governor exact statement of them anticipating possibilities misunderstanding.
French want and Platt suggested purely American gambit because of British de Gaulle commitments. Platt coming Aden tomorrow for conference with Governor, AOC, Commodore, me and Hopkinson53 who was in Syrian negotiations.
In following telegram will give detailed report positions French and British and recommend manner of approach.