851.01/2140: Telegram

The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State

912. For the President and Secretary of State from Murphy. My 902, May 17. After our conversation with Giraud, Macmillan and I saw Catroux late last evening. He said he was not telegraphing [Page 123] Giraud’s proposal to London until he had a further opportunity to talk with Giraud today on a third point which is not mentioned in the reply. That point is the question of the High Command of French forces. Catroux maintained that de Gaulle will take advantage of every opportunity to place Giraud in an unfavorable light. He is convinced that by omitting reference to French tradition in respect of combining political office and military command Giraud’s position is vulnerable. He will urge Giraud, and believes he can persuade him, to add that the question of High Command will be determined by the Central Executive Committee after its formation. In such a set up Giraud would then act as a joint President and Minister of War. However, this is a sensitive point with Giraud and it remains to be seen whether Catroux will be able to convince him.

Catroux insists also that he must be in Tunis on May 20th for the Allied review. He plans to proceed to London on May 21 to report in person to the French National Committee, stating that if de Gaulle refuses to accept Giraud’s reply he will resign.

Macmillan also plans to proceed to London about the same time for the purpose of contacting various members in the Government, explaining to them the true state of affairs and urging a decision by the British Government to terminate a situation which could be characterized as ridiculous if it did not contain elements of danger for the future.

To the Department. Repeated to London. [Murphy.]

Wiley