Z. 9813/132/17. MOST SECRET. [This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on.] (CYPHER) WAR CABINET DISTRIBUTION. FROM: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. FROM WASHINGTON TO FOREIGN OFFICE. Sir R.I. Campbell D. 10.11 p.m. 19th November, 1941. NO: 5289. R. 5.50 a.m. 20th November, 1941. 19th November, 1941. MOST IMMEDIATE. Welles told me this evening that the news from France was very grave. Marshal Petain had written to the United States Ambassador, the night of November 18th, that he had been forced to abolish the post of Delegate-General, since a refusal would have meant immediate move by German forces into North Africa.