851.01/7–1144: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation at Algiers (Chapin)
2175. For Murphy and Lawton.50 General de Gaulle, in press conference yesterday, made clear that his mission here did not extend to [Page 725] question of immediate agreement on French civil administration, but hoped that atmosphere created here would have “results along those lines.” He revealed that he expects to return to France soon, and will install his capital provisionally in any of “towns and villages between Algiers and Paris”, but emphasized that capital of France is Paris.
He said that he was convinced that “neither the President nor the Government nor the people of the United States have any intention of annexing any French territory,” and added: “There is however the issue of international security for the future which may affect French territory and so lead to friendly discussions.” Asked if he expects French empire to be returned intact, General de Gaulle said he was certain that France “will find everything intact that belongs to her,” and reaffirmed his belief in Brazzaville goal of democratic confederation of French territories. Asked if France wants additional territory after war, General de Gaulle said that as far as Africa and Far East were concerned, France wanted nothing more than is hers now. “Europe is a different matter,” he said. “For international security and for the security of France and her western neighbors, certain practical measures will be necessary and flag of French may well fly over additional territory.” Asked if that meant the Rhineland, General de Gaulle replied, “Certainly.” He said that plans for controlling Germany could not be realized without an inter-Allied agreement calling for “long occupation” with French participation. General de Gaulle scoffed at suggestions that France was “through” as an important power and made it clear he thought France would play an important role in post-war plans for international security. He denied that he and President had discussed when a plebiscite would be held in France to determine whether the French Committee would be recognized, emphasizing that that was “purely a French question.”
In reply to inquiry regarding press censorship in France, he told reporters that Allied newsmen “will find in Paris the same facilities as in their own countries for expressing their opinions on political events.”
General de Gaulle stated that it was not practical at this time to start controlled feeding in occupied areas through the Red Cross, or other agencies, because of the battle raging in Europe.
Callender reported in New York Times that General de Gaulle made highly favorable impression on reporters by straightforward answers to questions. Philip Whitcomb wrote in Baltimore Sun that General dealt “easily and in good humor with newspapermen.” Robert Albright, writing in Washington Post, found complete absence of any show of personal glory or the Joan of Arc myth that had been built up around him. Bert Andrews, writing in New York Herald Tribune, described General as “surprisingly gentle in manner,” with none of much-talked-about arrogance in evidence.
- Edward P. Lawton, Consul at Algiers.↩