740.00119 Control Italy/52: Telegram
The Chargé at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 4—7:12 a.m.]
356. For Wilson.39 In an after dinner conversation last night Massigli drew me aside and said that he wished to express to me personally and through me to you his deep disappointment at the delay in permitting French representation on Allied Control Commission in Italy. While he did not specifically so state it was apparent from the general tenor of his conversation that he felt that the opposition to such participation came entirely from the United States. Massigli said that if France were refused participation in the labors of the Control Commission it would not only be a heavy blow to the prestige of the French nation but that the work of the Advisory Council would be adversely affected. He developed at some length the importance of Franco-Italian relations and necessity from French point of view that France should take part in actual solution of Italian affairs.
I replied that it was my understanding that no definite decision had been taken in the matter and added that the problem which concerned itself mainly with Italian affairs appeared to be on outside of my province. I agreed, however, that I would transmit his views to you.
I learn on reliable authority that Massigli did not inform de Gaulle40 prior to his departure for Brazzaville of the results of the sixth meeting of the Advisory Council (see my telegram 259, January 25, 11 a.m. [2 p.m.] from Reinhardt). De Gaulle returned to Algiers yesterday but it is doubtful whether he had seen Massigli before the dinner last night.
This morning Reinhardt called by request on Hubert Guerin, Massigli’s alternate on the Advisory Council, who repeated to him similar arguments and expressed grave concern.