Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Arab-Israeli Dispute; United Arab Republic; North Africa, Volume XIII

277. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Algeria¹

Washington, May 18, 1958—7:49 p.m.

293. Algiers 399 and 397.² Consulate authorized have discreet contacts with self-constituted authorities. As you point out such would seem necessary in any event sooner or later for practical considerations.

For time being would appear preferable if feasible such contacts be handled by members your staff rather than by you personally, kept to a minimum and confined principally to practical and urgent matters. However level of contacts left to your judgment in each instance depending on circumstances.

As we understand it Committee of Public Safety continues claim it is only temporary body and in no sense a government. In any case while not indicating US opposition you should nevertheless endeavor avoid giving any impression US recognizes or condones actions this group. Should latter solicit your support in any way you should point out not appropriate US interject itself in French internal controversy.

You should endeavor coordinate with your Consular colleagues particularly British on question of contacts earliest and if possible before your appointment Monday.

Re cancellation TWA flight Algiers concur Paris 5281 repeated 523 Algiers³ it would appear advisable this remain in effect for present.

For Paris: Embassy may at its discretion inform Foreign Office Algiers may find it necessary have limited contacts with local elements. Embassy should in any event convey its views to Algiers repeating to Department.⁴

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751S.00/5–1858. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Looram, cleared in substance with Jandrey, and approved and signed for Dulles by Service. Also sent to Paris and repeated to London.
2. Telegram 397, May 18, reported that the French officer in charge of communications in Algiers had contacted the Consulate. It also requested instructions on contacts with local authorities. (Ibid., 911.7251S/5–1858) Telegram 399, also May 18, reported further contacts and repeated the request for instructions. (Ibid., 751S.00/5–1858) On May 13–14, French paratroops in Algiers, attempting to prevent Pflimlin’s investiture as French Prime Minister, executed a bloodless coup against the French Government in Algeria and established a Civil and Military Committee of Public Safety.
3. Telegram 5281 from Paris, May 16, reported that the Embassy had recommended Transworld Airlines not operate its regular flights in and out of Algiers. (Ibid., Central Files, 651.51S/5–1658)
4. In response to a query at the May 19 Legislative Leadership meeting, Eisenhower “commented that this was the day DeGaulle was to make his bid for power. It seemed clear to him that the existing government could control France, but whether it could control Algeria was a big question. A real explosion could occur.” (Supplementary Notes; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries) That day, Murphy testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the coup in Algiers did not appear Communist-inspired. For text of his statement, see Department of State Bulletin, June 9, 1958, pp. 959–960.