751S.00/11–954: Telegram
The Consul General at Algiers ( Clark ) to the Department of State 1
20. Following banning of MTLD by French Government2 night sixth and subsequent arrest MTLD leaders Algeria and search their premises, planned terrorist activities were prevented and Moslem festival of Mouloud November 8 passed quietly despite cutting Algiers-Moroccan underground telephone cable near border and attack on mine near Tunis border. This time Government [Governor] General had been informed and took precautions including seizure two issues Communist organ Alger Republicain. Populace calm and stabilization situation continues with reinforcements from France obvious in streets Algiers and elsewhere. MTLD banning resulted arrests 54 activists in Algiers, 111 in Constantine, 31 in Oran. Officials claim terrorist organizations in three departments decapitated. MTLD-controlled property in Algeria sequestered. Government [Governor] General tells us confessions and evidence establish extremist wing MTLD committee revolution Naired Unite et d’Action (CRUA) as terrorist organization. Party leadership deeply implicated except for Messali who obviously shielded. Police unable to locate Ahmed Mezenna;3 Hocine LaHouel4 halted by police has also disappeared.
Countermeasures Aures progressing. Government [Governor] General stressing wild character terrain tells me plans are to surround Aures and by use of harassing tactics seek to kill off Fellagah leaders [Page 397] and persuade natives of region cease uprising and return to normal activities. He is not sanguine that this can be accomplished with rapidity and recalls simple bandit uprising in Aures two years ago which by use of similar tactics PP required six months to quell. Government [Governor] General has no definite evidence supplies being dropped Fellagah by plane but reported rumor as rumor. Have impression Government [Governor] General is still appalled by suddenness and scope of terrorists’ activities and is grasping at any explanation for the failure intelligence services to provide adequate prior knowledge. However, except for the Aures which will require time, believe Government [Governor] General now has situation well under control, although as reported mytel 19, November 75 determined militants might still cause isolated incidents.
- This telegram was repeated to Paris, Rabat, and Tunis.↩
- Telegram 1970 from Paris, Nov. 8, reported the Council of Ministers decided on Nov. 5 to dissolve the MTLD and related organizations on French territory. (751S.00/11–854)↩
- Member of the MTLD.↩
- Secretary-General and member of the Central Committee of the MTLD.↩
- Not printed. (751S.00/11–754)↩