851T.00/60: Telegram
The Consul at Dakar (Flexer) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2—2:32 p.m.]
487. Department’s 119, 25th. Since censorship continues reports en clair possibly salutary although probably prejudicial consular relations.
Situation AOF most confused and unsatisfactory. Popular and military reaction masterly American stroke North Africa immediate. Possible opportunity arrest sinking prestige by riding wave popular enthusiasm muffed, Government General standing aloof until [Page 466] inevitable course French North Africa definitely shaped, then taking decision send representative Algiers, whilst maintaining communication with Vichy, only when investigations special political agents must have disclosed if anything that population overwhelming clamorous joint action with North Africa block against Axis and most importantly that defence forces undependable against USA. Forced decision sacrificed effect spontaneity.
Noncommittal tenor belated official pronouncements November 23 decidedly dampening, whereas unqualified vigorous patriotic appeals might have salvaged official position. Moreover General Falvy, Commandant Superieur Forces Terrestres AOF who was holdout against adherence later 23d issued order 3 whereof, follows:
“J’ajoute pour vous éclairer que les négociations qui ont été conduites reposent sur les conditions suivantes en ce concerne nos territoires: (a) aucune occupation militaire étrangère d’aucune sorte terrestre, navale, aerienne si minime soit elle; (b) aucune immixtion des britanniques et a fortiori des Gaullistes—vis-à-vis desquels nous maintenons notre attitude actuelle; (c) aucune base, aucun terrain d’aviation n’est mis présentement à la disposition de personne, hormis le cas d’avarie pour les Americains seulement.”
Order widely circulated with effect general stupefaction. This planted Germanophile continues command.
Abrupt about-face Government-controlled press and radio without accompanying change personnel services [of] information only followed pronouncements 23d and unconvincing. Consistent opponents Vichy sham insistent upon general expurgation former collaborationists whereof no indications. Criticize delegation now Algiers as nonrepresentative and concerned with own office security. Claim to [re]laxation restrictions liberty political thought, citing that French citizen Firesquadded[?] as de Gaullist agent 19th, simultaneously with reaching accord with USA and that French Army officer arrested 27th, Falvy’s order, probable court martial for printing pro-American flysheet for military distribution (see my 481, 25th, supplemented 482, 483, 48583).
Elementary error throughout keeping public ignorant developments. Situation disquieting including armed forces and capable passing beyond control. No possibility achieving popularity whatever result Algiers conference. Except for Falvy who must go adjustment AOF new situation admittedly domestic matter between sharply divided camps. Our concern unification all Frenchmen behind United Nations cause possibly furthered if brief token show America uniform invited by Government General and acceptance possible but not if suggesting factional partisanship.
- None printed.↩