Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

881.00/4–2547: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Caffery) to the Secretary of State

secret

Paris, April 25, 1947—5 p. m.

1722. Discussing the situation in French North Africa which has given the French considerable concern recently, Chauvel¹ tells me in confidence that he feels somewhat more relieved on the basis of his most recent information of developments there. He said that the Foreign Ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Colonies, has prepared for the Government’s approval a line of action which he thinks will be helpful. In general, it calls for a solemn reaffirmation by the French Government of various social, economic and political reforms for North Africa. In so far as Morocco is concerned, he said that the Foreign Ministry has proposed for the Government’s approval a program calling for further democratic reforms. Although he did not specifically so state, I gather that the object is to take the initiative and place the Sultan in a position where he must either come out in favor of such reforms (which the French do not believe he favors at heart) or place himself on record against them, which will of course not help them with the Moroccan masses.²

Sent Department as 1722, repeated to London as 339.

Caffery

1. Jean Chauvel, Secretary General of the French Foreign Office.
2. In telegram 1559, April 29, 6 p. m., to Paris, the Department asked to be kept informed of the French Governments decision in respect to the reform program which seemed, to the Department, to be a hopeful sign (881.00/4–2547).