840.48 Refugees/4143: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:54 p.m.]
1397. From Murphy [and] Fryer. My 1374, August 5, 8 p.m. In cooperation army officials have selected Camp Marshal Lyautey for [Page 340] refugee center. Located 10 miles north Casablanca near Fedala on site overlooking Atlantic. Buildings are of semi-permanent construction. Water is pumped from city mains with hypochlorinator attached to 25,000-gallon storage tank. Sewage treatment and disposal plant designed for 15,000 persons. Electric power provided by 15 kw Diesel plant. Camp has recreational facilities, shower baths, warehouse and mess facilities. Is ideal in every respect and will require minimum expenditure funds to adapt it for refugee use. Will accommodate 2.000 refugees if [in] semi-permanent buildings and capable of expansion to six or eight thousand by use of tents. Will be completely evacuated by Army this month.
The French authorities have been asked to agree to the designation of this camp as well as to allow the refugees certain freedom of movement and the possibility of obtaining work. Further detailed questions will be arranged as soon as French agreement in principle has been secured. [Murphy and Fryer.]