740.00112 European War 1939/5258: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:52 p.m.]
235. From Murphy. I interviewed Governor General Chatel of Algeria yesterday. Chatel, who is well disposed, maintains that German activity in this area is at a low ebb. He talked at length regarding Algeria’s unfavorable economic situation, particularly the need for fuel. He maintains that Algerian normal pre-war coal consumption averaged 100,000 tons monthly. Kenadza he said is now producing 18,000 tons monthly with about 8,000 tons from Djerda. About 20,000 tons monthly are received from France. Algerian alcohol production, he estimates, will approximate 65,000 tons this year. Due to the lack of liquid fuels he considers that Algerian agricultural production will be 30 percent below last year’s notwithstanding that greater areas have been sown. He asserted that American economic cooperation during the coming months is essential in this area but said that we should not insist on too much publicity to avoid exciting Axis representatives. He does not doubt that Algerian public opinion wholeheartedly favors the American cause but entertains reservations regarding British intentions.
He brought up the subject of the activity of American control officers in Algeria suggesting that they avoid the appearance of propaganda work among the natives.
A story had come to him from an undisclosed source to the effect that Vice Consul Knox, for example, had spread the word among certain natives that the French were on the toboggan and that it was useless for the natives to continue loyal to the French, they must look to the United States. He said this was in line with German propaganda efforts and if we are engaging in such propaganda we are wasting our time as our effort and that of the Germans simply cancel each other. The story is so patently absurd that I denied it promptly, insisting that the Governor General ascertain the source which I believe to be the Parti Populaire Français (Jacques Doriot) group about whose pro-Nazi sympathies and activity there is no doubt.
An official just arrived from Vichy who formerly was attached to the Vice President of the Council of Ministers tell me as have others that the policy of France–German collaboration is finished. He also said that a Gauleiter form of Government in the French-occupied zone is an imminent possibility; that approximately 150,000 French workmen have been recruited for work in Germany; that [Page 283] the Germans want to eliminate American influence from French North Africa; that food shipments from French North Africa are approximately 30 to 40 percent less than they were last year. He heard in Vichy the subject of American military intervention in this area discussed by French officials who are expecting it and whose sole question seems to be whether such action will be well timed and adequately done. He asserted that we have every political reason to execute an economic program in this area on a substantial basis.
Repeated to Vichy. [Murphy.]