Agendum 486 5 November 1940

ACTIVITIES OF FRENCH CONSUL-GENERAL, M. TREMOULET

Consequent on the collapse of France, and the installation of a
'Free France' Committee in London, the Commonwealth Government has
been embarrassed by the extreme pro-Vichy activities And anti-
British attitude of the Consul-General for France in Australia, M.

Tremoulet.

The French community in Australia, and in Sydney especially, are
extremely antagonistic to this man. At the same time the fear of
reprisals in France as regards their families and interests there,
is hampering their efforts on behalf of Free France.

Authentic reports from a variety of sources indicate that a stage
has been reached which calls for more drastic action. The
development of the position is indicated by the following summary
of events:-

1. In August, 1940, a report was received that M. Tremoulet had
informed the crew of the S.S. 'Commissaire Ramel' that if they
sailed in the ship under British orders they would be penalised.

He had also instructed the master to report the names of all
members of the crew willing to sail under British orders and
implied that the names of such persons would be communicated to
the Petain Government. In reply [1] to a letter from the
Department of External Affairs [2], M. Tremoulet admitted that he
had done this and suggested that the Commonwealth Government, if
it thought fit, could inform his Government that he was no longer
persona grata. He hinted that the withdrawal of his exequatur
would be 'considered very seriously' by his Government and made a
veiled reference to the 'consequences that such a measure could
have now and possibly when the war is over.'
2. A report was received from the Department of the Navy on 27th
August that the continuation in office of M. Tremoulet had been
interpreted by Frenchmen as apathy on the part of the Commonwealth
Government to the pro-Ally attitude of the vast majority of French
people.

3. A further report was received from the Navy on 31st August that
M. Tremoulet had continually tried to frustrate the activities of
Frenchmen in Sydney who wished to show their allegiance to de
Gaulle. Many expressions of dissatisfaction of M. Tremoulet's
continuance in office had also been received.

4. Early in September a further report indicating the anti-British
attitude of M. Tremoulet was received from the Investigation
Branch. This report indicated that the Consul-General had called
10 representative Frenchmen in Sydney to the Consulate and read
cables received from France regarding the Oran incident.

Incidentally, it is believed over 90 per cent. of the French in
Australia have pro-de Gaulle sympathies. M. Tremoulet had also
warned M. Brenac, the leader of Free France in Sydney, that he
would report the activities of the Free Frenchmen in Australia to
the French Government and that relatives in France might be
penalised.

5. A report was received from the Department of the Army on 16th
September of certain statements made by M. Tremoulet to a lady. M.

Tremoulet had made no secret of his intention to support the
Bordeaux Government and of his distrust of Britain. He said that
as history proved Mr. Churchill's offer of union with France was
only a trick to betray France.

6. On 18th September, by Ministerial direction, censorship
privileges in regard to the use of cyphers and codes were
withdrawn. Further action was taken on the 22nd October when all
censorship privileges were withdrawn from French Consuls.

7. M. Tremoulet has also had difficulties with the press. He
recently made a statement referring to the French people in the
Pacific who had repudiated the Vichy Government and declared for
de Gaulle as humbugs.

8. In giving a certificate to five pro-Vichy officials who had
been deported from the New Hebrides, M. Tremoulet stated in the
body of the certificate that the party had been repatriated from
the New Hebrides by administrative order of the 'British and rebel
French administrations' and that the officials were as 'loyal
French citizens' entitled to enter Indo-China which was still
under a 'loyal' French administration.

9. Numerous other reports have been received from the Department
of the Army and outside anonymous persons. The last of these
reports, which is from the Controller of Postal and Telegraph
Censorship, is to the effect that M. Tremoulet is definitely pro-
Vichy, is bitterly opposed to the British and dangerous to British
interests. The Controller reports that he has information that the
Consul-General is endeavouring to force other Consular officials
at Sydney, who are genuinely anti-Vichy, to leave for Indo-China.

M. Tremoulet when desirous of communicating with France, is doing
so by personal and not written communication. In this connection
the Department of the Army indicates that M. Tremoulet is
intending to report adversely to the Vichy Government on various
de Gaullists and Australians. Authority has been given for the
Department to prevent French Consular officials from visiting
French vessels and conveying special mail from M. Tremoulet unless
passed by the censor.

10. Finally, a confidential report on the psychological make-up of
the Consul-General and the breach in the Consulate staff, has now
been received from Mr. Loubere [3], a member of the Consular
staff. This report clearly indicates the harm being done to the
French cause in Australia by M. Tremoulet.

11. In view of all the circumstances, the following draft telegram
is recommended for despatch to the United Kingdom Government:-

'My telegram 486. [4] Consul-General of France.

In view of anti-British attitude of Tremoulet who is causing us
much concern by his activities, we would be grateful if immediate
action could be taken to withdraw his exequatur. We have already
withdrawn all censorship privileges but feel that nothing short of
complete withdrawal of recognition will meet position. His
eventual disposition will then be concern of Vichy Government.

Have no reason to suspect other Consuls and officials who we
believe are themselves having difficulty with Tremoulet.' [5]

F. H. STEWART