740.0011 European War 1939/20761: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:33 p.m.]
203. From Murphy. My 167, March 18, 3 p.m. I recommend that a qualified regular Army officer be detailed now to make contact with the persons involved in my telegram under reference. It is necessary that someone with the language, technical qualifications and experience in France possessed by Major Louis Fortier formerly Assistant Military Attaché in Paris now with MID4 in Washington be sent for this purpose.
[Here follows comment on personnel matters.]
The enclosure to the Department’s strictly confidential letter of March 5, 19425 (secret memorandum of February 256) manifests a serious interest in the military possibilities of French North Africa [Page 279] and requests that conversations be continued with a view to determining the capacity and ability of the persons in question to collaborate. It would appear obvious that at least one qualified regular Army officer be available on the spot to study the problem and remain in practical contact with these French military elements. The persons mentioned in my 167, March 18, 3 p.m., insist that a qualified officer arrive here for conversations with them this month.
It is of great importance for them to gain an idea of approximately when we may be able and ready to extend our cooperation. Timing in the development of their organization is naturally of the essence. They state that if we should be ready for example in 2 months their program would necessarily be greatly different than would be the case if we were prepared only in 4 months. Delay, of course, represents for them greater risk and difficulty in maintaining the morale of their people. That is why they are eager to talk with a qualified military representative who would be able to outline our position.
I urgently recommend that an arrangement be made at once to send Major Fortier to Tangier in one capacity or another preferably as Military Attaché. Please give me the benefit of your telegraphic comment. [Murphy.]