Office of the Historian

300. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1

Washington, September 25, 1959—2:47 p.m.

1378. We are rather disturbed at tenor Debré’s remarks reported Embtel 1347.2 As noted Deptel 12683 we do not intend ask French for precisions or clarification of De Gaulle program but it has been our hope that these would gradually emerge. It is increasingly clear from tenor of reporting from Tunis and Rabat, as well as from Arab capitals, that FLN seeking way respond affirmatively to De Gaulle while at same time requesting clarification. It is also clear from De Gaulle speech that there are undefined areas which will need to be illuminated if an accommodation is to be reached. We also note that Debré’s adamant stand against clarification seems opposed to Joxe statement (Embtel 1283)4 that question of subsequent referendum in France could be discussed later, thus implying both clarification and possibly negotiation.

Debré in effect seems to have warned us not counsel negotiation or support in any way efforts seek clarification of points which naturally arouse questions. While it possible hope that natural pace of events will lead French first to modify position on clarification and, second, to accept possible necessity some sort of negotiation at least on modalities cease-fire and arrangements whereby FLN can re-enter Algerian community, we cannot but fear that public announcement Debré position in same brutal terms will not facilitate steps towards early peace we hope for. It could lead to immediate stiffening of those elements suspicious of De Gaulle offer and lead to doubts of De Gaulle ability carry out courageous program he has offered.

We would hope to have Embassy’s assessment basic French position. If it is that personified by Debré, then we see difficulties ahead; if it is that hinted at by Joxe, then way will be easier for France’s friends to aid.5

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751.11/9–2459. Secret. Drafted by L. Dean Brown, cleared by Dunnigan and Wallner and in draft with Porter and McBride, and approved and signed for Herter by Murphy. Repeated to Rabat, Tunis, London, and Algiers.↩
  2. Telegram 1347, September 24, reported that Debré had stated De Gaulle’s Algerian program was not negotiable. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Dated September 19. (Ibid., 751.11/9–1859)↩
  4. Dated September 20. (Ibid., 651.72/9–2050)↩
  5. Telegram 1401 from Paris, September 28, stated the Embassy believed Debré’s comments did not eradicate the opportunities De Gaulle’s address had created, and that it believed De Gaulle realized he would have to be flexible in implementing his program. (Ibid., 751S.00/9–2859)↩