812.79600/1–145
President Roosevelt to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: On December 11, 1944, the Commander, Western Sea Frontier20 established an armed observation party and a weather reporting station at Clipperton Island. This action was taken as a matter of military urgency concurrently with an increase in Japanese operations in the waters of the Western Sea Frontier. The Navy has notified the head of the French Naval Mission, Vice Admiral Fenard, orally, of the establishment of this station on the above date.
Please inform the British Ambassador21 of the establishment of this station and of the fact that Admiral Fenard has been notified. Also please let the Mexican Government know of the action we have taken. It should be brought to the attention of the British and Mexican Governments that the aerological station has been provided with armament in view of possible Japanese raids, and that proposed visits by British and Mexican vessels or aircraft should be cleared with the U.S. Navy Department in order that there may be no incidents resulting from mistaken identity.
My message to the Prime Minister dated 27 November22 requested him to cancel any instructions to the Royal Air Force about a further survey at Clipperton until the matter can be discussed between us. This he has agreed to. The ownership and development of Clipperton Island are matters which I regard of significance to the United States because of the strategic location with respect to the Panama Canal. Mexico has long contested the claim of France to this island and the Mexican argument has not been without substance. It would be to our advantage that the United States, in the absence of direct ownership, should obtain base rights on Clipperton Island on long-term lease through Mexican ownership.
Sincerely yours,