851.01/651: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Tuck) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:42 p.m.]
1370. For Atherton. René Massigli72 called today and informed me that he has been asked by General de Gaulle to join him and take over the direction of Foreign Affairs of the National Committee. He is hesitant because he has wind of disagreements between the Gaullists and the Governments of London and Washington. He is under the impression that it is not Washington’s intention to give full support to the Gaullist movement. Massigli is today convinced that de Gaulle enjoys such prestige in the country that he constitutes an essential element in the future restoration of France. He is, therefore, ready and willing to collaborate with de Gaulle and Edouard Herriot, whom he has seen, encourages him to do so. He does not, however, wish to do so unless he is certain of being persona grata with Washington and unless he is sure that his arrival would be viewed with pleasure and that a confident collaboration in the common interest could be established.
Would appreciate your reaction which I could convey by a sure means to him.
Repeated very secretly for Matthews in London.
- Formerly French Ambassador to Turkey, at this time unassigned.↩