Evening star., 1942-05-11
Martinique Move

Martinique Move
The State Departments announce
ment of the arrival of an American
mission at Martinique leaves much
to be read between the lines. The
mission consists of Rear Admiral
John H. Hoover, commander of the
Caribbean Sea front, and Samuel
Reber, assistant chief of the State
Departments Division of European
Affairs. The mission was made
necessary by the problem arising
out of the collaboration policy of
Monsieur Laval and they are
charged with negotiating an under
standing with Admiral Georges Rob-
ert, the French High Commissioner,
whereby Frances Caribbean colonies
will not be used to menace American
interests.
Just what our Government is pro-
posing, and what it intends to do If
Admiral Robert declines to collabo-
rate are diplomatic secrets. But
obviously larger measure of Ameri-
can supervision or control is involved
than that which we have hitherto
exercised. The status of the French
colonies Of Martinique, Guadeloupe
and Cayenne or French Guiana first
arose after the fall Of France in the
summer Of 1910. After prolonged
negotiations, "standstill agree
ment" was negotiated with Admiral
Robert whereby the neutrality OF
Frances possessions in the New
World was to be maintained regard
less of what the home government
at Vichy might grant the Axis
powers in other parts of the French
colonial empire. This agreement,
made last December, was never
formally ratified by Vichy, but until
Lavals return to power it seems to
have functioned fairly well. The
colonies were closely supervised by
American consuls and naval observ-
ers, an6. the French authorities were
held to strict accountability. Some
time ago. they were warned con-
corning the sending ashore of a sick
member Of German submarines
crew. Our Government has been
able to exert strong economic pres
sure through the colonies depend
ence upon imported foodstuffs, gaso-
line and medical supplies, which
can be obtained only from the
United States.
Apparently this arrangement is no
longer deemed sufficient by Wash
lngton, and the inference is that
some sort of direct control has been
decided upon. We learn from the
State Departments announcement
that, under the proposed arrange
ment, the French flag would continue
to fly over the colonies and that Ad-
miral Robert would continue to be
recognized as the ultimate govern
ing authority" This would seem to
indicate the presence OF American
officials and probably American
armed forces much as they are at
"leaSe-lend" bases on British colo
nies and at Dutch Guiana.
The question now arises whether
Admiral Robert will again make a
separate agreement with our Gov
ernment, as he did last December,
even against Laval's express orders,
or whether he will refuse and take
the consequences. None of the
French colonies on the Caribbean
could make more than a token re-
sistance to our armed forces. In
deed, they would probably have to
capitulate from sheer economic pres
sure within short time. But the
world situation has become so criti-
cal that time presses, and Washing
ton doubtless is convinced that no
more chances can be taken. 1t is
to be hoped that Frances Caribbean
possessions can be safeguarded with
out the use of force But our vital
interests will have to be protected.
one way or the other.