851T.01/12⅕
Memorandum by Mr. Perry N. Jester of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
At the request of this Division, Colonel Thomas Betts, G–2, War Department, and Major Crittenden (Operations) called for a conference at 4 p.m. Friday, October 30 on the above subject.11 The conference was attended by Mr. Villard and Mr. Jester and was presided over by Mr. Murray. The subject was briefly explained by Mr. Murray and a portion of the memorandum (October 27, 1942) was read by Mr. Jester. A discussion ensued, out of which the following conclusions developed: [Page 42]
- 1.
- Representatives of the War Department believe that their Department would be in favor of the proposal, provided that it was clearly understood by all concerned that no limitation was to be placed on the activities of the Commanding General in the area concerned, who should have a free hand. This point was frequently reiterated in the discussion by the army officers and as frequently it was stated by the Division officials present that the State Department had no desire whatsoever to impinge on the authority of the General commanding in the area, but on the contrary, desired to set up an organization that would assist him in the prosecution of the war effort.
- 2.
- It developed that the army officers present were very much concerned about the need for the establishment of some measure of control in the area concerned of the activities of the various representatives of the numerous civilian agencies of the Government operating in that area; namely, O.W.I., O.S.S., B.E.W., et cetera. It appeared that they would be prepared to support establishment of a very definite measure of control over these other agencies.
The State Department representatives at various times in the discussion emphasized the point that we felt it was necessary to have the full concurrence and support of the War Department in this matter before broaching the subject and explaining the possibilities of the appointment to other Government agencies.
The conference adjourned without any specific decision being reached about the next step to be taken. The army officers present reported that they would report to their respective superiors and it appeared that their recommendations would be favorable. Colonel Betts several times made the point, however, that the possibility of the successful operation of such an appointment in connection with the military effort in Africa would depend very largely on the personalities involved; namely, the personal relations of General Fitzgerald or some other Commanding General in the area and the Personal Representative of the President who might be appointed.
- i.e., “Proposal for the Appointment of a Special Representative of the President to Work with Lord Swinton at Accra.”↩