740.0011 European War 1939/27838: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Algiers (Wiley)
264. Your 153, February 6. For Murphy. A number of circumstances, including questions raised in your 172 of February 9, your 437, January 22 to War Department,79 and the statement reported February 9 by Gentil80 that he will make trip to obtain reaction of South American countries “to the possibility of recognizing the North African Government as legal for all France” make it desirable that there should be no doubt in the mind of General Giraud concerning our interpretation of the first memorandum as reported in your 153. Our position as determined by the President81 is as follows:
- 1.
- Article III of first memorandum disposes of question of recognition of a French Government until French people are free to express their will and therefore disposes of question of a French Diplomatic or Consular service.
- 2.
- We regard Giraud as the trustee in the United States of the interests mentioned in Article IV. We will welcome civilian representation on the French Military Mission. We do not recognize Giraud as trustee in this country of French interests not associated with his movement. He is aware of our relationship with the French National Committee.
- 3.
- The question of representation in other countries, including those of South and Central America by Missions similar to that noted in paragraph 2 above, is entirely between the countries concerned and Giraud. If they ask us for advice we will inform them of the position we have taken.
- 4.
- Within the limits set forth above Giraud can count on our wholehearted cooperation.