851.00/2793: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7—4:14 a.m.]
294. From Murphy. Chatel, Governor General of Algeria, received me on his return from Vichy, where he had conversations with practically all members of the Government except Darlan who was in Paris. According to Chatel there is no fundamental change of policy as far as Marshal Pétain is concerned. Chatel said that Pétain, called by the Germans “the old fox” and “Marshal Nein” told him that he hoped to gain 3 months’ time by the maneuver. He said that the Marshal had acquired no affection for Laval. However, he said “the Marshal is a very old man”.
Chatel as well as Charles Roux37 who has just arrived from France both were in touch with General Weygand who has now taken a house at Cannes. They, as do other well-informed sources, tell me that there is no truth in the stories reported by Casablanca and Tangier to the effect that Weygand recently visited North Africa (see Department’s 133, April 22, 10 p.m., to Casablanca38).
Chatel lunched at Vichy with Marshal Pétain and General Giraud recently escaped from the fortress of Königstein. I am told there is no intention of surrendering Giraud to the Germans and Chatel also says that Giraud is as ardently anti-German as ever. He also said that Giraud would be glad to work with the Americans. Giraud plans to remain in seclusion temporarily and voices the hope that the radio broadcasters will forget about him.
[Page 298]I tried in vain to pin Chatel down regarding the possibility of Giraud coming this way but could only evoke a bland smile. Chatel did not deny that the possibility existed.
The local reaction to Madagascar40 is mild and understanding. Several French officials including Chatel do not believe it will result in the rupture of Franco-American relations. Chatel on the contrary voices the urgent hope that we will prosecute our policy of economic aid to North Africa in the face of everything and maintain our influence. He said, “For heavens sake persuade them to let those two small ships sail from New York. It does not pay to wave the carrot in front of the donkey too long.”
I have also had a long talk with Admiral Fénard just returned from Vichy. After conversations with Darlan he is convinced that the Laval Government is a temporary affair and said that the power still lies with Pétain and Darlan. He declared that he and many high ranking French naval officers dislike and distrust Laval. Fénard reiterated all the well-known arguments that we should manifest a practical interest in this area by removing the suspension of the operation of the economic accord. Our policy should regard this area as a separate entity he believes and he is confident that a courageous friendly policy on our part is a safe investment. Fénard frankly tells me that he hopes for a resumption of hostilities against the Axis but only when we are able to provide the material which will make such action effective. There is no doubt that Fénard’s sympathies are with us as France’s only hope. I am convinced that he would seize any reasonable chance to come over to our side.
Repeated to Vichy. [Murphy.]