to you that the day on which France is convinced that there is no doubt  
rning your will to win the situation, even here, will be rev
 
                                                            
 
 
At this time I bring to your attention that the propaganda against America  
is being carried on with great frenzy and makes use of every means among them  
that of trying to convince the people that despite the admirable declarations  
of President Roosevelt, despite those of Mr. Hull, despite the naval measures  
taken, the American business and industrial centers are very gloomy about the  
situation, they consider that all is lost for England and they endeavor to  
restrain the President and to oppose his actions.  This is what certain people  
are saying in Paris and Vichny, stating that they are very well informed and  
in touch with the United States.  They are doing a lot of harm here and have  
very bad influence on important people.  I am telling you this for whatever  
                good use can be made of it.                 
 
                                                            
 
 
The following is characteristic of the state of opinion here vis-a-vis  
the United States: Some days ago the "Gazette de Lausanne" published a dispatch  
stating that Washington was preoccupied with the situation in North Africa where  
the Germans are filtering in more and more every day and that a "courtesy visit"   
of the American fleet to Casablanca was envisaged.  Well, the day after this  
article, which caused a sensation, appeared the people were saying: "what a   
pity it is only a dispatch, a project, and not already the real thing."  If it  
had been learned that one of your squadrons was anchored in the port of Casablanca  
the people would have danced with joy because the significance of this move  
                would have been understood.                 
 
                                                            
 
 
We are entering the crux of the drama.  Life here becomes more painful  
each day, and German pressure more rigorous.  The last vestiges of independence  
which existed in the free zone are about to disappear.  It is seen every day  
in the radio, in the press, which is abominable, and which is the despair of  
                         everyone.                          
 
                                                            
 
 
I assure you that this sinking into Nazi slavery is something abominable,  
the fate which awaits all Europe.  This is why 300,000,000 Christians cry, with  
         all their energy, S.O.S. to the Americans.         
 
                                                            
 
 
               Yours most sincerely devoted,                
                       W. d'Ormesson.