851.01/2266: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:33 p.m.]
1091. From Murphy for the Secretary and Under Secretary. We have had conversations today with Catroux, Georges, Monnet and Massigli. The situation as of this evening seems to be the following. Giraud states that he will maintain firmly his position in reference to the problem of command or control of the army under the over-all direction of the Committee and that he would not yield on any proposal of the dual command. With reference to the reorganization and modernization of the army, a proposal has been made to Giraud which he has accepted to the effect that this be accomplished through a permanent committee of the following members:
General Giraud as Chairman; General de Gaulle as co-President of the French Committee; General Juin as Commissioner for National Defense; General Bouscat (Air Force) and Admiral Collinet (Navy). Other additions may be made to the Committee.
This proposal was submitted to de Gaulle this morning. If he accepts and is willing to return to Committee on this basis, question will [Page 151] be settled and de Gaulle will be given an appropriate part in reorganization. If he refuses, however, to return on that basis, Committee will then consider taking a decision on his resignation.
We understand de Gaulle is insisting on controlling reorganization and modernization of the army but Massigli states he feels de Gaulle will accept Giraud as Commander in Chief. Whether de Gaulle’s attitude will be stiffened by arrival in North Africa today of Pleven, Diethelm and Tixier who are scheduled to arrive Algiers tonight will be determined in course of next 24 hours.
Members of Committee are resolved, however, if he persists in his resignation to continue as a Committee with thought Catroux may become co-President. [Murphy.]