289. Editorial Note

On April 21, the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in [document number and title not declassified]. Paragraphs 43—48 evaluated prospects for an Algerian settlement. (Department of State, PPS Files: Lot 67 D 548, France)

Three days later, Secretary Herter sent President Eisenhower a memorandum on the second stage of French-U.K.-U.S. tripartite talks, held in Washington April 16–21. Herter reported that during the talks, which had focused on Africa:

“We had long discussions on Algeria. The French explained their policy to be one of continued military action, willingness to negotiate a cease-fire but nothing more with the rebels, and the expectation that by economic development and the creation of a new Moslem elite through a series of elections true representatives of Moslem opinion will be found with whom the eventual status of Algeria can be determined. In this connection, the French present seemed rather depressed by the results of last Sunday’s municipal elections in the cities of Algeria. These policies and hopes were well known to us and their presentation did not increase our knowledge or cause us to be optimistic with regard to an Algerian settlement. We can expect great difficulty in the UN this year with the French not participating but counting on our support.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles–Herter Series)

The topic of Algeria had arisen on April 17 and 20; memoranda of these conversations are in Department of State, PPS Files: Lot 67 D 548, Africa, 1959–1960.