890E.00/201: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—2 a.m.]
1998. From Murphy. Sent to Department, repeated to London, Cairo, Beirut.
Massigli called this morning with reference to our yesterday’s conversation (see my 1990). I had confirmed our conversation by letter in which I conveyed to him communication as instructed by your 2139, November 12. Massigli asked whether Department would be willing to reconsider the second sentence of communication which Massigli affirms works great injustice to French authorities. It reads “It is difficult to understand how French whose country is now groaning under heel of the invader can be unmindful of the aspirations toward independence of another people”.
I advised him I had no discretion in the matter but would refer question to Department.38
General Catroux departed early this morning for Cairo and Beirut. [Murphy.]