851.01/2600: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1—10:20 p.m.]
1349. For the Under Secretary from Murphy. As you know we have had no indication over a period of days regarding whatever progress is being made toward recognition of the French Committee of National Liberation. Today da Cunha, the Brazilian representative who has been most cooperative and has kept me closely advised regarding his Government’s interest, tells me that the British Government recently proposed a formula of recognition to his Government [Page 179] at Rio. Da Cunha states that his Government is in accord with the formula and apparently is so advising the Brazilian Ambassador in Washington.
There may be good reasons for creating an impression that the matter of recognition is being left to British initiative but from here it would appear that the American position is being gradually weakened as a result. There seems to be no doubt in the minds of the members of the Committee that we are responsible for the delay and of course, those elements which are not particularly friendly are encouraging the impression, which has gained some ground locally, that basically our policy is noncooperative and even unfriendly.
Many rumors of course are current. For example it is frequently heard that the United States intends to remain in North Africa indefinitely; that we are acquiring a lease hold on North African railways, buying up the post, radio and telegraph systems; dominating the market for textiles and other products for the purpose of excluding French industry after the war; and of course interfering in French internal politics. The importance of these rumors naturally should not be overemphasized in this area where gossip is particularly prevalent but we are taking steps to refute such assertions. [Murphy.]