Office of the Historian

314. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1

New York, September 26, 1960—11 p.m.

800. Re: Algeria.

1.
Aside from Congo, problem of Algeria will create greatest emotional appeal in 15th GA. I consider it most important we not dissipate great gains we have made in Africa from Congo situation with rigid pro-French position on Algeria.
2.
Algerians are already shifting sharply into anti-US posture and toward cooperation Soviet bloc. Comments Yazid (in Tunis) who normally pro-US, are convincing sign this is happening. So are observations of Sarper (USUN 801).2 We must not allow Communists gain foothold in Algeria we are expending great effort to prevent in Congo.
3.
French apparently intend fol their usual ineffective policy in UN or refusing defend themselves in debate but expecting others, especially US, both to speak and vote for them.3
4.
Whatever reasons may be, French have allowed much good will which they had in GA last year to evaporate through breakdown negots with FLN. Reports De Gaulle may break off aid to community states if they vote against France on Algeria4 further indication viewpoint of French. With 13 new African states just admitted to UN, it is almost inevitable GA will adopt res this year on Algerian question.
5.
Also note (London 1344)5 that UK, which has consistently taken more pro-French position on Algeria than US, is leaving its position open.
6.
In consequence these considerations I believe it most important US make absolutely no commitment to French either on degree US participation in Algerian debate or on what we will do on res.
7.
Given overall US interests I also believe our ultimate objective, without involving US in drafting process, should be to encourage discreetly res on which US will at least be able abstain. What this will be cannot be predicted until we see Afro-Asian draft.6
Wadsworth
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751S.00/9–2660. Secret; Priority.↩
  2. Selim Sarper, Turkish Representative at the United Nations. Telegram 801 from USUN, September 26, reported that France had refused Tunisia’s offer of good offices, that the Provisional Algerian Government had suggested uniting with Tunisia, and that Algeria might have to accept aid from the People’s Republic of China. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Winckler told Merchant on September 13 that he expected France would not participate in the U.N. debate on Algeria, although Couve de Murville would probably state France’s position in general debate and France would work on it in the corridors. (Telegram 1116 to Paris; ibid., 320/9–1360)↩
  4. Reported in Secto 2 from USUN, September 20. (Ibid., 751S.00/9–2060)↩
  5. Telegram 1344, September 14, reported the Foreign Office felt a debate on Algeria was “virtually certain” and that by not walking out when the item was inscribed and debated in previous General Assemblies France had in effect conceded Algeria was not a purely internal matter. (Ibid., 751S.00/9–1460)↩
  6. Telegram 610 from Rabat, September 30, reported that the Embassy shared Wadsworth’s apprehensions and endorsed his recommendations. (Ibid., 751S.00/9–3060)↩