851.01/2027: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 8—10 p.m.]
580. From Murphy. Reference Agwar telegram number 2116, April 6, to Marshall from Eisenhower.3 Macmillan and I called [Page 92] upon Catroux last night to inform him that de Gaulle’s announcement concerning the postponement of his departure for North Africa had come to our attention and we wished to notify him that it did not accord with the facts as set forth in General Eisenhower’s reply to the Prime Minister (see my 572, April 6, 6 p.m.). Macmillan explained in detail what had taken place.
Catroux agreed that the situation had been grossly misrepresented and assured us that he would send an immediate telegram to de Gaulle, insisting that the matter be rectified publicly without delay. He said he had himself previously urged that de Gaulle postpone his visit at least until the principles to govern the basis of French unity could be established and the negotiations further advanced (see my 542, April 24). He said that a visit of de Gaulle would be premature at this time and could only be for the purpose of endeavoring to create a show of popular support. He continued that de Gaulle did not understand the situation in North Africa, that whereas he would receive popular acclaim, there would also be a show of public opposition and that unity could not be cemented if these differences became the subject of public demonstrations.
Catroux then said he would not be associated with such a policy and proposes to leave for London tomorrow and lay the entire matter before de Gaulle. Catroux further explained that the principal difficulty was that de Gaulle would not accept any position except that of the principal leader and had refused to consider a proposal that Catroux had made which would give Giraud position equivalent to that of Chief of State, whereas de Gaulle would be the Prime Minister.
Under the circumstances I consider it extremely important, if a satisfactory statement is not forthcoming in the immediate future from London, that a full explanation of this situation be made public in the United States, and that it should be made clear that de Gaulle has completely misrepresented the position of the Allied Commander-in-Chief.
Repeated to London. [Murphy.]