740.0011 (E.W.)/11–742: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Cole) to the War Department 43
[Received November 5, 1942—noon.]
No. 755. From Murphy. General Juin Commander in French Africa asked me to call last evening. He said that he felt we should remain in closer liaison and has designated two officers of his staff for that purpose. The gist of his conversation was that he has orders to defend French Africa against all comers but that he hopes the provocation will come from the Germans. In that case he would ask our aid. But we should not make the mistake of attacking because he would be obliged to give orders to oppose our forces. I pointed out that this did not seem logical since Germany occupies most of France but that in any event if we ever came here in force we would naturally expect a French invitation. Juin said he had talked with Admiral Darlan regarding eventual American assistance. Darlan admitted his statement to Admiral Leahy in 1941 regarding his desire that the United States talk to him when able to provide large scale assistance but he would not commit himself further at this time.
This morning Colonel Chrétien, Chief of Juin’s G–2, called on me to confirm his superior’s conversation and to state that they would be glad to receive a competent high ranking army officer for technical discussions regarding eventual Franco-American military cooperation. I told him that I would be glad to convey the message.
Both General Juin and Colonel Chretien expressed misgivings regarding Axis plans for this area but said that they did not look for immediate intervention. They also indicated no immediate anxiety regarding our plans. [Murphy.]
- Copy supplied by the Office of the Secretary of Defense under cover of letter of September 7, 1960.↩