851.01/2492: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 17—5:58 p.m.]
1273. For Secretary and Under Secretary from Murphy. In my recent telegrams I have endeavored to give the impression which is based on conversations not only with nearly all members of Committee of National Liberation, but other representative Frenchmen here, that Committee continues to consolidate its own position and to move forward as a collective body endeavoring to exercise authority over French interests under its jurisdiction. In absence of any information from Department, I have also assumed from these conversations and from press reports that question of Martinique has now been regulated in a manner which Department considers satisfactory.
Under these circumstances, may I again raise question of desirability of an early recognition on our part. The civilian members of Committee are concerned that our delay in recognition implies existency of an American policy of ignoring this body, and consequently that we are supporting an individual in contrast to support for the nearest approach to a representative group which can at present be constituted.
It is believed that Committee will continue to function with an increasing sense of civilian responsibility and that only alternative to such Committee could be assumption of control under de Gaulle in view of Giraud’s disinterestedness in political matters. Therefore [Page 173] if we are to avoid giving de Gaulle the means of increasing his personal leadership, it would seem that an early recognition of the collective nature of Committee is implied. De Gaulle himself has now publicly admitted in his speech of July 14 that Committee of National Liberation is responsible to French people for representation of their honor and interests, and is apparently reconciled to work within its frame.
The President’s message of July 14,93 which was widely publicized here, was interpreted as envisaging possibility of recognition along lines clearly consistent with our policy of allowing French people their own choice of government, but of establishing an interim trusteeship which would bring the maximum French contribution to the war effort.
I have not been informed of any recent developments in the United States or in England which might render further delay in recognition advisable, but from the situation as viewed here, there is a growing apprehension in regard to our policy which if it continues, can, as far as we can see, be disadvantageous to our own interests in the long run. I should appreciate the earliest possible indication of your views and those of the President in this respect. General Eisenhower concurs in the foregoing recommendation and urges prompt recognition.
Repeated to London. [Murphy.]
- For text of President Roosevelt’s statement on Bastille Day, see Department of State Bulletin, July 17, 1943, p. 28.↩