Office of the Historian

851.01/3919: Telegram

The Acting American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State 11

Algiers, June 6, 1944—midnight.
[Received 2:47 p.m.]

1878. From Murphy. I am informed through AFHQ that Elmer Davis12 has informed Barnes, Chief of PWB13 in Algiers, that OWI has received instructions from the President not to use the term “provisional government” in any way with reference to the French Committee of National Liberation. Barnes is further instructed that in view of the manner in which it was presented to the President for action it must be construed that even in quoting official communiqués the words “provisional government” cannot be used. Barnes’ instructions concluded with the statement that OWI cannot be party to any directive or practice which violates this order. [Murphy.]

Chapin
  1. On June 6 the Committee of National Liberation confirmed the resolution passed by the Consultative Assembly on May 15 that the Committee should be known as “Provisional Government of the French Republic.”↩
  2. Director of the Office of War Information.↩
  3. Psychological Warfare Branch.↩