307. Editorial Note
On January 24, 1960, French residents in Algiers barricaded parts of the city following the January 22 dismissal of General Jacques Massu from his position as Commander of the Algiers Army Corps. Fighting broke out, a general strike developed, and the protesters demanded that French President De Gaulle issue a statement supporting a “French Algeria.” De Gaulle, however, reaffirmed his Algerian policy in a January 29 address; for text, see Major Addresses, Statements, and Press Conferences of General Charles de Gaulle, May 19, 1958–January 31, 1964 (New York: French Embassy, Press and Information Division), pages 71–74. The crisis ended when the insurgents surrendered on February 1.
Secretary Herter discussed these developments with President Eisenhower February 2:
“General De Gaulle is not yet out of the woods, and much will depend on the action of the FLN. If FLN leaders delay some move toward accommodation, the resentment now smoldering among the French colonials may break out. The Army is the key question. He said he had given thought to the possibility of the President sending a note to De Gaulle while the crisis was on, but had decided against recommending this since the question was essentially an internal problem. Now he thought a message could be sent with good effect. He showed the President a draft, which the President approved, with a comment [Page 686] that he thought De Gaulle would appreciate such a note. It is to be kept strictly secret.” (Memorandum of conference with the President; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries)
The Department of State sent the text of the letter to the Embassy in Paris that evening. Dated February 2, it reads:
“Dear General De Gaulle:
“I have hesitated to write to you before, knowing full well how preoccupied you have been during this past week. As you may know, we asked your government if it believed that some positive act or statement on our part could be of assistance to you. Learning that your government believed official silence was the preferable course of action, we have maintained such a governmental position. Our attitude, however, was reflected in the unanimously warm and full support given you and France by our press and our people.
“I do want you to know that you have and maintain our full confidence in this troubled period. In re-affirming your forward-looking policy for Algeria you have once again demonstrated the faith and courage which have always marked your actions. As we know it must, France under your leadership guards unshaken its strength and unity.
“With warm regard,
“Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower” (Telegram 3242 to Paris; Department of State, Presidential Correspondence: Lot 66 D 204)
De Gaulle responded in a brief letter, February 6:
“Dear Mr. President:
“I have been deeply touched by the friendly attitude and support which you and the people of the United States have shown toward France during the recent events. This is an additional manifestation of the solidarity that causes all the countries of the Free World to feel deeply anything that affects one of them.
“I thank you for this further demonstration of your friendship and assure you of my cordial and loyal sentiments.
“C. De Gaulle” (Translation prepared in the Department of State; ibid.)