740.0011 European War 1939/15585: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:14 p.m.]
481. From Murphy. Admiral Fenard, who is at present on the staff of General Weygand, formerly commanded the Dunkerque and is a close friend to Darlan. He professes sympathy for the British cause but was undoubtedly put on Weygand’s staff to protect Darlan’s interests. He tells me that Darlan’s views on the outcome of the war and French foreign policy have undergone a profound change. He urges that it would be most beneficial if we encouraged Darlan, who now wants to gain American favor.
Another Weygand [apparent omission] put the matter more boldly saying that Darlan having played the German card now sees he was [Page 441] wrong and wants to change his policy. He does not know how to do so without losing face completely.
The latter contact said that the Germans during the past month have disregarded Darlan. They conduct practically all their conversations on political matters at Paris with Benoist Mechin.79 The contact declared that until the Marshal discovers a way to rid himself of the four German henchmen—Benoist Mechin on Foreign Affairs, Pucheu80 in charge of International Affairs and Police, Lehideux81 in charge of Production and Economics and Marion82 in charge of the press—French policy fatally will continue on the wrong road.
Repeated to Vichy. [Murphy.]