740.0011 European War 1939/20098
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of Staff, War Department (Eisenhower)
Memorandum for Mr. Orme Wilson, Liaison Officer, State Department
A study has been made by the War Plans Division of the plan for the defense of North Africa as set forth in the attached papers.79 The prevention of further extension of Axis control in North Africa is of great interest to the United States from a military point of view, and we should take such steps as may become practicable to check such extension.
Assuming that the agents concerned are responsible and sincere parties, and capable of developing an adequate following among civil and military authorities (neither of which is proved in the attached papers), they should be encouraged in their efforts.
The requirements for matériel and ammunition to equip the French North African forces as set forth in the plan are quite large and could not be made available in the near future in view of our present commitments. Moreover, any attempt to equip the French forces just prior to and during active operations as envisaged in this plan could not result in efficient use of the strange matériel. For this reason, it would be necessary to equip them prior to the opening of [Page 259] hostilities. What, if anything, could be accomplished along this line would of course depend upon the attitude of the Vichy and North African Governments, as well as upon availability of the matériel at the proper time, and the shipping to transport it.
The present critical situation with respect to shipping likewise prevents its use, at this time, in transporting French effectives from other areas.
In an unstable situation as this one would be, to entrust command of participating American forces to French authorities, as indicated in the plan, would be fraught with great danger.
From the foregoing it is clear that definite action, involving commitments on the part of the American government at this time, is not warranted. However, it is equally clear that if the authors of the proposal are in a position to develop potential assistance to the U. S., their collaboration may later be of the highest importance. Consequently this Division believes that, if possible, discussion should be continued, particularly with a view of determining the capacity and ability of these men to collaborate with us effectively.
Brigadier General