851.01/2058: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20—4:30 a.m.]
645. From Murphy. Pending the return of Catroux and further indications of the present position of the French National Committee, it seems to us that the nature of the publicity which the National Committee is giving in London to Giraud’s proposals for unity show that the main differences of principle relate primarily to the question of a provisional government. Even this could probably be regulated [Page 96] if any real effort to settle the question of leadership were apparent. The Gaullist mission here continues to insist upon the rising popularity of their chief in North Africa and is undoubtedly reporting this to London despite Catroux’s warning regarding the attitude of the army.
As de Gaulle comes out more clearly in favor of a provisional government so his position appeals more strongly to those elements here who look toward the establishment of such a government, either because they hope to secure places in it or because in all sincerity they feel that without a government France will not be looked upon as one of the United Nations. They contrast this position with that of Giraud, alleging that he has the support of the United States in opposing the renaissance of a strong France capable of taking care of its own interests and not subordinate to the Allied Nations. There is no doubt that this trend, which has recently been further advanced by a series of articles in the local press advocating the provisional government, and by considerable confusion in the public mind to Giraud’s views, has a considerable measure of support even in the local administration, largely from those who do not look beyond the immediate future. De Gaulle is profiting by this confusion to strengthen his claim that only under his leadership can real unity be achieved.
Giraud hopes by the publication in full of his proposal together with the explanatory note to dispel this confusion and to reassure public opinion both here and in France itself that the proposed Council will not only exercise control over the Empire but maintain close contact with resistance elements in France so that their representatives should have a voice in the trusteeship of French affairs.
As long, however, as the continued spirit of loyalty to Pétain pervades some Army and Navy circles, it is clear that Giraud’s position must be reinforced by progress in the direction of unity. Monnet and others are frankly concerned by the persistence of this spirit and are endeavoring to counteract it to the utmost of their abilities. Rearmament which is now underway and which will permit the more effective use of French units will greatly assist in this respect. It is clear, however, that another essential step in this direction would be the removal of senior officers responsible for the persistence of this spirit. Giraud has been hesitant to remove some top Army and Navy officers pending development of the Tunisian campaign.
Repeated to London. [Murphy.]