DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
 
 
January 8, 1942
 
My dear Mr. President:
 
         After giving careful consideration to all of the
 
circumstances in connection with the St. Pierre Miquelon
 
situation and with a view to arriving at an acceptable
 
solution I have drafted the enclosed suggested telegram
 
to Admiral Leahy setting forth a formula for the settle-
 
ment of the matter. My suggestion would be that before
 
sending this telegram in the event you approve it the 
 
telegram be submitted to the British and Canadian Govern-
 
ments for their concurrence.
 
     Without specifically stating so this would amount
 
to a trusteeship. It seems to me advisable to steer
 
away from any specific statement implying a trusteeship,
 
or an administration by the three Governments for the
 
reason that we are likely to run counter to provisions
 
in the Habana Convention which as you know provides for
 
the administration of regions of this hemisphere under
 
certain circumstances by the American Republics. I do
 
not
 
The President
 
 
The White House.