851.01/3809: Telegram
The Acting American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:53 a.m.]
1603. From Murphy. Massigli at dinner last evening informed me that at a meeting of the FCNL which he had just attended, consideration was given to motion passed yesterday by the Consultative Assembly suggesting that the name of the FCNL be changed to “Provisional Government of the French Republic”. According to Massigli the Committee are inclined to adopt the change but are concerned that such action might be wrongfully construed as an evasion of the Committee’s announced plan for self-liquidation under the procedure approved by the Committee for the post-liberation period.
While a first decision was not taken, the Committee, according to Massigli, favor the change of title on the theory that the French public demand something of the sort. A formula is being worked out under which apparently the title is to be adopted but the Committee members would retain the rank of “Commissaires” (commissioners) rather than call themselves Ministers. By such device they feel they will not be subject to the accusation of trying to perpetuate themselves in power.
De Gaulle is departing today for Italy where he will visit French corps headquarters and other points of military interest remaining in Italy, he informs me, 10 days.
After his return undoubtedly the FCNL will announce its decision regarding its future title. [Murphy.]