851.01/2024: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 7—2:37 a.m.]
572. From Murphy for the President and the Secretary. In agreement with General Eisenhower, the British Minister telegraphed his Government on April 4th that while Eisenhower certainly does not wish to put any impediments in the way of General de Gaulle’s proposed visit to Algiers—which he earnestly hopes would lead soon to French union—he would be grateful if de Gaulle would postpone his departure until he feels that the groundwork for an agreement has been formally established, ensuring its rapid consummation.
The reason for Eisenhower’s request is that because of the rapidly approaching crisis of the battle in Tunisia, it would be undesirable to have concurrently a protracted political crisis.
Eisenhower added that he has confidence in de Gaulle’s political judgment and good faith and said he does not wish to embarrass de Gaulle. On the other hand, he is confident that the latter would not wish to embarrass him.
Repeated to London. [Murphy.]