751S.00/11–254: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers ( Clark ) to the Department of State 1
12. Government radio announced noon November 1 thirty terrorist attacks had taken place during night.2 Areas affected most are south-eastern part Constantine and Aures.
Several persons shot to death: One officer in Khenchela, two soldiers in Batna, a schoolteacher in Arris, Caid in [garble], native policeman in Kabylie and motorist near Mostaganem. Widespread bombing and arson attacks against police stations, guard-houses. Terrorists also attempted radio station and gasoline tanks Algiers. Most arson and bombing attempts ineffective owing obvious lack experience and crudeness means used.
Governor General tells us no incident reported since November 1, Authorities were warned some time ago but terrorist timing surprised them. Governor General is obtaining three additional companies security police and three battalions parachutists to strengthen existing security forces. No question in anyone’s mind that terrorists are MTLD–PCA members and attacks made under pressure from Arab League (see Algiers despatch 51 October 7, 1954).3 Idea of connection between Fellaghah and terrorists discounted. Governor General’s personal view is that attacks intended to call attention of UNGA to Algeria and help Arab propaganda.
No apparent sign of tension population Algiers and officials state there is no reason for alarm.
- This telegram was repeated to Paris.↩
- Telegram 14 to Algiers, Nov. 1, said United Press had reported a serious terrorist outburst in Algeria and the dispatch of troops there from France. It requested the Consulate General to keep the Department informed. (751S.00/11–154)↩
- Not printed. (751S.00/10–754)↩