851.01/6–2644: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation at Algiers (Chapin)
2012. For Murphy and Chapin. On June 26 Hoppenot left aide-mémoire of message for the President from General de Gaulle of which following is substance:
De Gaulle will be happy to visit Washington and discuss with President problems of interest to United States and France. He regards visit as primarily to render homage to President and American people for their present sacrifices and exertions toward liberation of Asia and Europe. The General does not find dates suggested by President as most convenient since he wishes to be in Algiers for Bastille Day38 but in deference to President he will plan to spend 3 full days between July 5 and 9. However his definite decision will await clarification of the program of discussions which he believes should be carefully studied and fixed in advance. For his part he has no specific requests or recommendations to advance. He states that question of formal recognition is of little interest in itself and he has no intention of raising it.
Hoppenot added orally that de Gaulle also wishes to know whether any restrictions or limitations will be placed upon his status similar to those attending Giraud’s visit last summer.39 At that time Giraud [Page 719] was received in his military capacity only and only military subjects were open for discussion.
Message has been referred to the President and you will be informed of his reply.
Repeated to London.40