851R.01/12¼
The Chief of Staff, United States Army (Marshall), to the Under Secretary of State (Welles)
Dear Mr. Welles: I consider the dispatch of the proposed telegram to Mr. Murphy in Algiers72 as inadvisable at this time.
Of the remedial measures suggested the first, “Any officials of the Vichy regime who may be officially retained in Africa should not include those to whom well-founded objections might be taken”, appears to be directed at Darlan, the man to whom General Eisenhower must look for immediate results in the Tunisian operation and the matter of the French fleet.
As to the second and third measures suggested, I am in thorough accord with their purpose and I am sure that General Eisenhower will take measures to alleviate the condition of the Free French and the Jews as soon as such action will not jeopardize pending military operations. However, the release of a large number of individuals who will undoubtedly constitute a disturbing element in a most difficult situation might involve the immobilization of large numbers of American troops that are desperately needed elsewhere. For this reason I do not believe that General Eisenhower or Mr. Murphy should receive such definite instructions at this time.
[Page 443]If you concur in the foregoing, I will convey to General Eisenhower the sense of the desires of the President with a suggestion that they be accomplished as soon as General Eisenhower considers these measures practicable.
Faithfully yours,