751S.00/11–454: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Dillon) to the Department of State1

confidential

1912. Reference Department telegram 14 to Algiers,2 repeated 1602 to Paris.

Surprisingly little specific information other than that appearing in press available Paris regarding disorders Algeria on night of October 31–November 1 and insurrection around Arris.

From discussion, however, with officials in Foreign Office, permanent Secretary of National Defense and Interior, it would appear that disturbances were potentially unexpected except as to timing. Police officials Algeria have been for some time aware of mounting tension and Minister of War Chevallier previously informed us Governor General Leonard was concerned regarding local security measures, lack of troops and his inability to seal off Tunisian-Algerian frontier over which large number of Fellagah have been known to be moving due to energetic action being taken Tunisia.

Similar tension known to local police but for psychological and political reasons they were unable to take effective countermeasures such as area-wide roundups of suspects nationalists, etc.

All French officials have been most impressed by obvious organization of outlaws in that within space of few hours some 30 incidents occurred throughout eastern and even western Algeria and timing appears to have been perfect. Fact that Arris area was completely out of French control for some time and situation even now is not fully under control leads all observers to believe that leaders well experienced in military tactics are calling shots. Political acumen also evidenced by murder of Caid Sadok who is described as one of most competent pro-French Algerian Caids.

One encouraging aspect is that contrary to disturbances in 1945 recent events did not touch off spontaneous local disturbances which might be attributed to relative local prosperity of Algerians and fact that relatively well fed populace presently politically apathetic.

Origin of over-all direction and organization is, of course, of primary interest. It has not as yet been specifically ascertained but officials with whom we have discussed matter believe direction stems from Arab League in Cairo. Inflammatory nature of recent Arab League broadcasts from Cairo have led French protest officially and vigourously to Egyptian Ambassador Paris in effort to curtail activities Cairo radio.

Reason for outbreak at this time is obscure although War Minister Chevallier has indicated to press that it might be in effort oblige Algerian [Page 395] units presently engaged in anti-Fellagah activities Tunisia return to Algiers. Although Foreign Office minimizes present extent anti-Fellagah activities Tunisia, it would appear that they are being considerably stepped up and effectiveness of French countermeasures might have triggered Algerian outbreaks.

We have specifically inquired whether Fellagah were particularly active in Tunisia at same time as Algerian disturbance and Foreign Office states there is not evidence of concurrent increase Fellagah activity.

Although all French officials believe situation can be kept well under control, they are nevertheless concerned over continued extension lawlessness and fact that arms keep coming into area from Libya. Most arms are apparently presently moving westward from Libya in small lots and through desert. There has, however, also been some evidence of light aircraft landing in southern Tunisia and parachuting of either arms or personnel into that area.

For time being, French officials here indicate there does not appear to be close tie-in between Algerian-Tunisian disturbances and those in Morocco. In latter area, they state incidents continue at unabated rate and there is growing evidence of Communist and nationalist cooperation at lower levels.

Dillon
  1. This telegram was repeated to Algiers, Tunis, Tangier, Rabat, and Tripoli.
  2. Not printed; but see footnote 2, supra.