851.01/3429: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Acting American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation at Algiers (Chapin)
488. As reported in radio bulletin 36, President stated at his February 10 press conference that only thing being discussed was what [Page 650] to do regarding government behind the lines in event we got into France. He specifically stated that he knew of no impending revision of our French policy (your 454, February 11).
You should continue whenever possible to warn those with whom you come in contact against taking a too optimistic view of the press reports from Washington. But, in line with the President’s remarks, you may speak of the probability of closer working arrangements with the Committee with respect to those areas in France outside the actual combat zones.