033.4111 Eden, Anthony/1: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 16—11:25 a.m.]
1184. I told Sir Alexander Cadogan83 yesterday afternoon that I was delighted that Mr. Eden and he are going to Washington; a full exchange of views with all concerned there could not but be helpful. He said that the visit would at least afford an opportunity to find out a little of the lines on which American minds are running with regard to the various aspects of post war problems before British ideas have become too crystallized. “If American ideas and British ideas differ”, he said, “we are quite prepared to reexamine the lines along which we have been thinking, but it is important for us to learn without delay what progress you have made and what sort of approach you are taking.”
I said that in addition to the general usefulness of such a visit—and he emphasized that they are going over with no fixed agenda or program of discussion—I thought it would be helpful to have a frank and full discussion of our respective French policies. I said that as he was aware there was considerable feeling in American quarters that the British had not exercised all the control or influence over General de Gaulle and his advisers they could at a time when they were stirring up public clamor and creating difficulties for all concerned; if it is not British policy to support General de Gaulle in some of his pretentions this would give Mr. Eden a good opportunity to make it clear. He assured me that there is no desire on the British side to back General de Gaulle for any position of political primacy but that we must remember how strongly British public opinion feels on the subject. He said that during the period of difficulties with de Gaulle over the Syrian question last summer he and Strang thought that with the North African operation it might be possible to “drop de Gaulle entirely”, but unfortunately the feeling stirred up over the Darlan question had so strengthened him here that this was not possible.
I asked if he was optimistic over the possibility of bringing about some unity between Giraud and de Gaulle. He seemed somewhat doubtful, though he thought Catroux’s mission might help and certainly Massigli’s84 influence would be on the right side. He fears, however, given de Gaulle’s temperament, that eventually the General and Massigli will clash.
[Page 55]He said he too welcomed the opportunity which the Washington visit would give Mr. Eden and him to try to prevent any sort of split between us over French problems. He agreed with me that there has been considerable improvement in the last few days in the sense of a more understanding attitude in the press.