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likelihood of acceptance by Vichy in the present state of 
      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, on February 4, and in the face of the speed 
      of the disintegration of this situation more especially as regards 
      North Africa and the Far East, I feel that in order that the 
      initiative may not be taken away from us by some German tactical 
      move, it may be necessary at any minute now to order Ambassador 
                   Leahy home on consultation.              
 
                                                            
 
 
C.H.