851.01/2259: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 12—3:50 a.m.]
1082. From Murphy for the Secretary and Under Secretary. My June 11.55 An informal meeting of the Committee was held this morning without de Gaulle who had been invited but did not attend. His letter of resignation was discussed but no action taken. Discussion then turned to question of the Commander-in-Chief. A formula has been prepared by Monnet and accepted by Catroux, Philip and Massigli. It is based on General Georges’ original plan and provides Giraud will be Commander-in-Chief of all French Forces and the Commissioner or Commissioners of National Defense will be charged with reorganization and modernization of the army but that supreme command will be exercised by Commander-in-Chief for the Committee of National Liberation.
Although Giraud and Georges did not appear disposed at this morning’s discussion to accept this formula, Monnet is hopeful that after reflection they may be induced to agree thereto. Meanwhile, it is planned that a delegation of the Committee will call on de Gaulle to urge his acceptance of formula and consequently reconsideration of his resignation. It may be that several days will pass before final decision is taken.
Meanwhile, General Eisenhower, Macmillan and I believe unless final formula is detrimental to Allied military effort at this critical stage or destructive of Giraud, we should continue to regard current negotiations as involving primarily French responsibility reserving any objections we may have until such time as it is clear either that our military position is not fully safeguarded or that de Gaulle is gaining control of entire situation. We suggest it might be desirable to insert our conditions, whatever they may be, into the formula of recognition. We propose to submit suggestions in this respect as soon as conditions permit.
If de Gaulle’s resignation is now accepted on grounds which may be publicized that Giraud is opposed to reorganization of army, it would give rise to constant friction and would not be clear to public opinion both in France and abroad, thus in reality weakening Giraud’s position. Although de Gaulle claims he has no intention of heading an opposition party from the outside, the Committee has not yet obtained sufficient authority to be recognized as the only duly constituted French authority with whom Allies can deal. Once it is, however, actually in operation and the cement has hardened in the new [Page 150] structure, de Gaulle’s resignation or resignation of any other member would not have same results and would appear in their true light as resignation of those who are not willing to submit to collective responsibility. [Murphy.]
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