851D.001/10a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Algiers (Wiley)
511. For Murphy.38 With respect to the situation in French Guiana the French Military Mission here has informed Giraud of the urgent necessity of sending a Governor to Cayenne. Colonel LeBel, from the Military Mission here, left last night and arrives Cayenne Sunday [Page 257] for the purpose of making contact with local officials pending arrival of properly designated representative from Giraud. Attempts are being made to have officials from other than North African authorities proceed to French Guiana and UP despatch from London states deGaulle has “appointed a Governor of the Colony”. Hope you will appreciate the necessity of expediting the sending of Giraud’s representative with authority to assume control in order that public order may be maintained and avoid any internal disturbance or disorder.
- Robert D. Murphy, United States Political Adviser, Staff of Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater, and Personal Representative of the President in North Africa.↩