JR   
This telegram must be                                  Paris
closely paraphrased                               
before being communi-                                  Dated May31, 1940
cated to anyone. (D)                                   
                                                      Rec'd 6:45 a.m.
 
Secretary of State,
 
          Washington
 
          Rush
     
          962, May 31, noon (SECTION THREE)
     
     To believe that the Government of the United States will be able ever to cooperate with
Mussolini is as dangerous to the future of America as would have been the belief that our
Government could cooperate with Al Capone.
     The latest information of the French Government indicates that Mussolini will make war
on France on June 4.
     I am sure you realize the bitterness that such a blow ill produce.
     May I inform the French Government when stating--as I must in view of your telegram
under reference--that there is no hope whatsoever the Atlantic fleet will come to Tangier, that the
moment Mussolini strikes economic and financial measures will be taken at once by our
Government to make the lot of the aggressor hard?