851T.00/95a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Algiers (Wiley)
775. For Murphy’s background information. We have received disquieting indications that a move may be on foot to remove Governor General Boisson of French West Africa. In addition to the insistence [Page 99] of the Fighting French on this point, a recent press despatch from London reported that General Giraud was planning to oust Boisson as soon as a replacement could be found. Moreover, we have learned that Boisson has incurred the disfavor of Lord Swinton at Accra, who while formerly well disposed is now said to be opposed to Boisson’s continuing in office.
We have heard only the most favorable reports of Boisson. He is regarded by our officers who have served at Dakar as strongly anti-collaborationist and pro-American, a fact beginning to be recognized in the American press. Admiral Glassford, whose proposed appointment to represent this Government in French West Africa has been approved by the President, thinks highly of Boisson and describes him as prepared to cooperate fully with us in the prosecution of the war.
Our main concern in this matter is the obvious difficulty of finding a suitable successor to Boisson if he were to be removed. In view of Boisson’s demonstrated willingness to facilitate our task in French West Africa and the friendly relations already established between him and Admiral Glassford, we should deem his continuation in office as in the furtherance of French and American interests.9
- In his telegram No. 709, April 26, 1 p.m., the Consul General at Algiers gave the following reply from Murphy: “This information is most helpful. As the Department, of course, understands, Giraud has no intention of ousting Boisson.” (851T.00/96)↩