851.01/7–344: Telegram
The Acting American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 4—3:45 a.m.]
2254. Following is list of party accompanying de Gaulle: General Béthouart, French Chief of Staff; Palewski, Chief of Civil Cabinet; [Page 722] Alphand; Jacques Paris, Counselor French Delegation London; Lieutenant Colonel de Rancourt, Military Cabinet; Cdt. de Lévis-Mirepoix and Captain Teyssot, Military Aides; Baubé, Press Attaché Washington; one additional Press Attaché and two more representative persons” to be selected definitely this evening.
When I saw the General this morning he repeated what I had already been told by Palewski that object of his trip to the United States was to pay friendly visit to the President and to discuss with him matters of general interest. He also reiterated that he personally did not intend to seek any specific agreements. He added he had long been anxious to know something of the United States and wished particularly to show his appreciation for the thousands of brave Americans who were fighting so valiantly and effectively in Europe, He said he intends to make a very strong statement on this last named point.
In reply to my question he stated he had read the draft agreement reached in London and had found them in general satisfactory although there were certain minor points which might require change. They were to be discussed at the meeting of the FCNL this afternoon. Only point which he specifically mentioned as being unsatisfactory was that covering reverse Lend-Lease to be furnished the British in France which he felt was perhaps more sweeping than France could afford.
Schedule has now been confirmed for departure from Algiers July 5, 3 a.m., and arrival Washington July 6 about 5 p.m. General plans to stay in Washington 3 full days arriving in New York afternoon of 9th. However, since he is apparently counting on a reception to be given by Mayor LaGuardia he feels it may be preferable to delay his arrival in New York until Monday,45 the intervening time to be taken up perhaps by a trip to some point of interest. He said he would like to spend an hour or two in Philadelphia (as my own suggestion it may be Department might wish to arrange a visit to Annapolis or West Point or to some aircraft or munitions factory if such are open on Sunday).
De Gaulle from New York will proceed to Canada where he will spend the 11th and 12th and wishes to arrange his return trip so as to arrive Algiers not later than morning of the 14th for holiday festivities.
- July 10.↩