Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Africa, Volume XVIII

95. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations¹

Washington, November 22, 1957—7:45 p.m.

Gadel 88. Re Algeria. Taking account Pineau’s comments Delga 460,² his conversation with Secretary (Deptel 3755 to London,³ 461 to New York⁴), and probable developments in debate Department consulting with UK re desirability action along lines below. At appropriate stage GADel would initiate further consultations with Pineau, making following points as persuasively as possible but without giving impression US seeking to “pressure” French into any specific course:

1. As Secretary told Pineau, we wish assist French in every reasonable way. Close cooperation during course of GA debate last year resulted in satisfactory conclusion of Assembly consideration of Algerian item. Naturally if we could conclude debate without resolution this would be optimum result.

2. However, events of past year and sentiment in GA, particularly among Afro-Asians, as Pineau now appears recognize, may require resolution going somewhat beyond resolution of last February.

3. We believe that quasi-procedural approach which should draw broad support without “internationalizing” Algerian question or undermining French position on competence can work again, if necessary to forestall undesirable outcome, provided France, after stating its basic case, indicates its recognition of interests of other states in peace and tranquillity in Algeria and states French readiness to consult with other governments at appropriate stage.

4. Whether and when any resolution would be submitted would depend entirely upon development of debate, types of resolutions proposed, and extent of support indicated for various texts.

5. While we cannot be sure now a suitable compromise can be found that will draw together moderate elements in GA in sufficient number for adoption, as was case last February, we believe following draft resolution includes elements that should prove useful in such eventuality.

6. Following is text of resolution which if acceptable to Pineau French could make available at appropriate time in debate to some friendly delegation or delegations:

“The General Assembly,

Having heard the statements made during the discussion of the Algerian question,

Noting the steps taken by the Government of France in its efforts to bring about a solution,

Noting the statement of the Government of France of its willingness to consult with other governments having a primary interest in peace and tranquillity in Algeria,

Recalling its resolution 1012 (XI) of 15 February 1957, and in particular the expression of hope that, in a spirit of cooperation, a peaceful, democratic and just solution will be found, through appropriate means, in conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Reaffirms its hope that a peaceful, democratic and just solution will be found in conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Expresses its satisfaction that the Government of France has announced its intention to consult with other governments having a primary interest in peace and tranquillity in Algeria.”

7. Draft resolution retains quasi-procedural character of resolution last year since it is based on concept of General Assembly taking cognizance of French initiative rather than containing substantive recommendations, judgment, or exhortation. French, with substantial justification, could defend at home adoption of such General Assembly resolution as similar to one adopted last year and which avoids “internationalizing” Algerian question or undermining French position on competence. Resolution avoids reference to “parties” or “negotiations”.

8. Resolution leaves open manner in which objectives of resolution would be pursued by French. It would not be necessary, as we see it, for Pineau to state intention publicly in Committee to consult with Morocco and Tunisia. We believe it would be sufficient if Pineau could make general statement in opening general debate speech incorporating essence third preambular paragraph of above resolution. In corridors however it would probably be necessary indicate more precisely what French intentions were in this regard, and specifically in relation to Morocco and Tunisia. Other delegations would naturally also be free to place such interpretations on language as they desired.

9. We believe adoption above resolution would not in long run be harmful to basic French objectives and intentions re Algeria. Above resolution would prevent adoption strong resolutions declaring in favor self-determination and independence for Algeria, denouncing French colonialism, or seeking establishment UN mediation machinery, all of which we assume remain entirely unacceptable to French.

10. If foregoing approach acceptable to French, US would wish consult further at appropriate time re sponsorship and timing suggested resolution. Tentative US view is that text would not be put forward until near end of debate, although would be necessary for France lay foundation in its statement to GA.

11. GADel should take no action pending further instructions to approach French.

12. Addressees will observe above approach carries forward thinking embodied Deptel 1776 to Paris, 315 to Tunis, 440 to Rabat, 3414 to London, and pouched USUN, Algiers, Rome, Cairo.⁵ Contents this message should be held in strictest confidence.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751S.00/11–2257. Secret; Limit Distribution. Also sent to London.
2. Delga 460 from USUN, November 21, reported on a meeting between Lodge and Pineau in which Pineau indicated that the most favorable outcome would be no resolution at all. He described as totally unacceptable any effort to introduce Morocco and Tunisia negotiators. He acknowledged, however, that a military solution was not possible. (Ibid., 772.56/11–2157)
3. Not printed. (Ibid., 772.56/11–2057)
4. Telegram 461 to New York, November 21, contained a summary of a memorandum of the November 19 conversation between Pineau and the Secretary. (Ibid., 751S.00/11–2157)
5. See footnote 3, supra. In Delga 483, November 27, Lodge advised the Secretary that the best solution would be to persuade the French to accept Tunisian-Moroccan assistance. He was prepared to take up the matter with Pineau. (Department of State, Central Files, 751S.00/11–2757) However, he was instructed not to advance beyond the instructions in Gadel 88. (Gadel 92 to New York, November 29; ibid.)