851R.01/210: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Algiers ( Wiley )

312. For Murphy. Your 228, February 18, 4 p.m. has had careful attention. The separate telegram concerning the military aspects [Page 61] which you refer to at the end of section I is being replied to by the War Department. We assume that military headquarters in North Africa and the War Department are keeping each other informed of any developments in the situation which have a bearing in those areas on the military campaign.

It has been the policy of this Government from the beginning to encourage all French elements to unite for the liberation of France. This remains in effect and any approach that you can suggest to this end would be welcomed by this Government but we do not wish to set off political inducements which might possibly compromise the future status of the French people against a problem which is primarily military although we recognize fully there are French civilian responsibilities involved. These new civilian responsibilities in North Africa have only recently begun to result in improved civilian political administration and we are still awaiting the results of the recent conversations between General Giraud and General Catroux. Here again if there are concrete suggestions you wish to offer we shall be very glad to consider them since we recognize fully the final adjudication of differences between the various French elements is an essential but has been from the beginning a problem to be worked out by the French themselves with such aid as we can offer within the limits of our war effort and war policy.

Repeated to London as No. 1141.

Hull