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be understood that a guarantee from the Government of French Somaliland would be essential, that none of these supplies allowed in driblets would be passed on to the Italians.
9. For the purposes of paragraphs 7 and 8 it goes without saying that H. M. Consul must be allowed to continue to function and use ciphers.
10. We believe salt from French Somaliland to be important to the Italians. If so, this ern be used as a bargaining counter with the Italians, but we must be kept fully informed of barter arrangements.
11. If C.-in-C., East Indies, considers it can be done without undue risk, we agree to re-establishment of cable communication, since that will be of value both to the French and ourselves, provided the Consul is retained.
12.
As we now propose to insist on getting coal and oil in return for supplies, acquisition by French of rupees, etc. to pay for their supplies no longer seems to arise.
13. You should explain to Gros that we have every intention of winning this war. We regret sincerely temporary inconvenience thereby imposed on our late Allies. When we win we shall not forget any passive help they may have given us nor their temporary sufferings. Similarly we shall not forget any lack of co-operation. In our darkest hour we shall be just. In victory we shall be generous,
14. For your own information pray recall that we have evidence that the objective of the present Government of French Somaliland is to obtain the maximum advantage for themselves and for Vichy by playing upon our well known sentiment for concessions and compromise. Do not blame them but do not be
LLOYD. taken in by it.
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