The U.S. Recognition of Vichy, France
Graduation Date
Spring 1965
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Degree Granting Institution
Catholic University of America
Program Name
Humanities
Abstract
This paper is a study of the United States' relations with France in 1940, with emphasis on the period from May to December. My primary purpose is to determine whether circumstances and events justified the United States in its controversial policy of recognition of the Pétain regime at Vichy. My secondary goal is to assess the veracity and completeness of pertinent information received from our diplomatic representatives abroad in this year. This information reached Washington in the form of telegrams, letters, memoranda of conversation, and other such documents, which can be categorized as to content in the following manner:
- Special mission to Europe of Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles.
- German invasion of France and collapse of French resistance.
- Maintenance of relations by the United States with the French Government at Vichy.
- Continuation by the United States of embassy functions in France after French capitulation.
- United States1 concern over the disposition of the French fleet after German invasion of France.
- United States’ concern over the fate of French possessions in the Western Hemisphere after German invasion of France.
- United States' concern over the disposition of French war vessels and airplanes in Martinique after French capitulation.
- Consideration of the problem of giving food relief to France without aiding Germany.
- Protection of American property in France after French capitulation.
- Persecution of Jews by German occupation and Vichy Governments; representations by the United States on behalf of American Jews,
- United States ' interest in political and economic conditions in French North Africa.
- Free French seizure of French North Africa; non-committal attitude of the United States.
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