740.00119 European War 1939/453: Telegram

The Consul General at Algiers (Cole) to the Secretary of State

4. Italy has temporarily lifted armistice conditions for all French forces for defensive purposes in North Africa to enable them to resist any action by British forces and to prevent any attempt to blockade traffic to and from France. Three regular voyages weekly have been approved as well as up to 20 ships for revictualing France all under French convoy. Strict blackout again enforced.

Governor General is conforming strictly to all orders received from Vichy, but there are prominent political leaders here including, it is reported, Daladier,44 Mandel,45 and Zay46 out of sympathy with Pétain Government and there is a heavy but inarticulate ground swell running against it among the Leftists on one side and the moderate liberals on the other. Deep internal divisions exist within Government circles who are extremely guarded and undecided. Order prevails.

Repeat to Department.

[
Cole
]
  1. Edouard Daladier, former French Premier and Minister for National Defense and War.
  2. Georges Mandel, former French Minister of Colonies.
  3. Jean Zay, former French Minister of National Education.