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      affairs, and which might be seized on as justifying action against 
      our interest. Your Government, the Canadians, and ourselves could, 
      however, announce independently that the islands are French and 
      will remain French. The solution of any other problems or details 
      relating to the islands might then be left in suspense for the 
                       duration of the war.                 
 
                                                            
 
 
In the new situation created with regard to the Mediterranean 
      and the Vichy Government, which Mr. Hull has explained at length 
      to Lord Halifax, we are giving all possible study and consideration 
      to our relations with Vichy to see if anything can be salvaged 
      in the furtherance of our general united military effort. I shall, 
      of course, keep you fully informed of our deliberations in this 
      respect.