851R.01/295: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:08 p.m.]
383. Personal for the President and the Secretary from Murphy. The speech which Giraud is broadcasting today4 and political action [Page 72] which will follow it, mark a most important milestone. The full text of the speech has been telegraphed to the War Department. Its main points are as follows:
- (1)
- A repudiation of the legality of any acts taken since the armistice on ground that the free expression of French sovereignty was interrupted by German occupation.
- (2)
- The conclusion that France can have no other political authority except that which has been freely established by the people under the laws of the republic. A provisional government cannot therefore be constituted until France has been liberated and is free to choose its own government. General Giraud undertakes to create conditions in which a free popular choice can be made and that he and his army will be the servants of any provisional government chosen under these conditions and will surrender their powers to such a government if it is adopted.
- [3?]
- All legislation subsequent to June 22, 1940, is in principle declared to have no legal validity. The necessary action to give effect to this declaration will be taken as soon as possible both as regards measures and men. Much that has been done in the meantime cannot immediately be undone, but steps will be taken at once to reestablish French traditions. The municipal assemblies and Conseils Généraux will be convoked.
- (4)
- All laws of racial discrimination are being abrogated.
- (5)
- Strong emphasis is laid on the vital importance of the union of all Frenchmen outside France, and General Giraud offers to cooperate with all those taking part in the struggle against the enemy who accept the fundamental and traditional principles which he has expressed of return to French democratic traditions, and join in the solemn pledges which he gives to the people of France.
Giraud’s announcement sets forth with crystal clarity his purpose of identifying himself with those traditional principles which have governed France for over a century; which are at the core of American political philosophy today. These are set forth in the President Lincoln’s Birthday Address.5 They are the basis of the North African development—the chart of the new France.
In consequence, based on those principles, the question of the constitution of the provisional government of France is settled. The laws of the Third Republic will govern without the imposition by any outside group of any preconceived formula.
The status of Giraud’s organization now or later if union is achieved is settled. The organization is purely an administrative body concerned only with the prosecution of the war. It preserves the liberty of action of the French people.
The immediate consequences of Giraud’s action are (a) the abolition of racial discrimination, (b) the reinstatement of deliberative assemblies.
[Page 73]It should be understood in Washington that liberal measures dealing with economic life will be taken but this is a complex task which requires time but which will be done.
Giraud’s present action should change situation here completely as it should affect world opinion, dealing as it does with fundamental issues thus far obscure.
It seems to me that the present occasion should be seized by the President to publicly applaud and support this spontaneous French gesture which outlines a charter of French freedom.
Macmillan is urging his Government to take steps to set forth this situation in sharp and favorable relief (see my 384, March 14, 6 p.m.6).
It seems to us that Eden’s presence in Washington might be exploited to that end.
Please note in above connection Monnet’s telegram to Hopkins. [Murphy.]