CK                            (Paris)
This telegram must be              Bordeaux
closely paraphrased be-
fore being communicated            Dated June 16, 1940
to anyone. (Br)
                              Rec'd 5:40 a.m.
 
Secretary of State
 
     Washington
 
     TRIPLE PRIORITY
 
     4, June 16, 1 a.m.(SECTION TWO)
 
     I have emphasized throughout my conversations with
 
all the members of the Government with whom I have
 
of the French fleet. I am relieved to say that tonight
 
I learn that Reynaud obtained, after a real battle in
 
which he threatened to resign, the approval of his
 
Government not repeat not to surrender the fleet at any
 
cost. Of this he, Mande1 and Campinchi all assured me
 
tonight.
 
     I of course impressed upon thou that to this end
 
the maintenance of a free and untrammeled Goverrnment was
 
essential; that without continuance of such a Government
 
the American people might find their continuance of the
 
material aid being rendered the Allies a contribution
 
to democracy which was justified neither by ideal nor 
 
utility. This I said was clearly and pointedly brought 
 
out in your message of this afternoon.
 
     (END OF MESSAGE)
 
EMB                                                  BIDDLE