851R.01/251: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 3—10:20 p.m.]
315. From Murphy. Department’s 312, February 20, and London’s 1350, February 22.95 The Prime Minister has replied to Macmillan’s telegram identic with my 228, February 18, 4 p.m., stating that the British Government would like to see as soon as possible a central provisional administrative authority of the French Empire as a whole to exercise the maximum war effort. Its experience with de Gaulle has led it to believe there should be a strong civilian element in the governing body which should be able to direct and control the head of the administration. The latter under existing conditions might have to be a soldier. The best solution would be a “government of officials” if the necessary staff can be secured or brought from France. Under this central authority all available French Forces should be equipped and trained as soon as possible so that they may participate in the liberation of France and that France may be present at the victory.
The Prime Minister added he was looking into the matter of the rearmament of French Forces in North Africa which was, however, a matter for the United States in the first instance but doubted whether in view of the political attitude of the United States the time was yet appropriate for a further joint formal approach to de Gaulle and Giraud. He stated, however, that all his influence was being brought to bear on the French National Committee to urge the necessity of early agreement between Algiers and the Fighting French.
Before Macmillan’s departure for Cairo February 28 he agreed that in view of the arrival of Monnet who reached Algiers March 1 and the opening of discussions with the Gaullist representatives it would be preferable to await the outcome of these discussions among the French themselves before making specific recommendations for joint action on the part of our two Governments. I shall endeavor to keep you currently informed of these developments and am continuing to emphasize the importance of reaching an early agreement as between the two French factors. [Murphy.]
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