851.01/983
The British Embassy to the Department of State
His Majesty’s Ambassador has been instructed to convey the following to Mr. Hull as a message representing the views of the Prime Minister and Mr. Eden.
“Under our present constitution and war time procedure we have been ceaselessly exposed to ‘emotional views of little men on political matters’ and to check this entirely would involve His Majesty’s Government in a direct attack on freedom of Parliament and Press. There is a deep loathing in this country, particularly strong among working classes, against anything which savours to them of intrigues with Darlan and Vichy which are held to be contrary to the broad simple loyalties which unite the masses throughout the world against the common foe. It took the Prime Minister all his time and all his influence to smooth things out with House of Commons in secret session. You should warn Sir. Hull that there is almost a passion [Page 33] on this subject and one which if it broke loose would certainly cause differences of opinion and controversy in United States.
“We have done our very best to help in Darlan business and continue to do so in regard to Vichy contacts still being preserved. But general feeling is that a brilliant military episode has been tarnished and tainted. The danger of the situation is fully realized. Prime Minister can no more embark on an effective muzzling of press and Parliament than State Department could gag Willkie,28 Luce29 and company when they say things which give profound offence here. The remedy is to agree to a policy and reach sound ground in this French quagmire.”