93. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1
Delga 76. Re Algeria. Yazid and Chanderli2 of Algerian FLN told member USGADel today FLN basic strategy this session GA moderation and discussion substance Algerian problem chiefly by Tunisia and Morocco instead of attacks against France. Stressed moderation would depend on tone adopted by French. Stated proposals would be made First Committee for round table talks with French without any political precondition. US official inquired whether this meant France would not be asked recognize independence or right to independence Algeria before engaging in discussion and reply was affirmative. Yazid also said FLN would not insist attending talks as full participant if this preferred by France but would accept role observer. In reply to question whether he had any indication what French reaction likely to be to such proposal, Yazid said French Govt already aware of them and Pineau had thrown cold water on them at recent lunch Diplomatic Press Association Paris, but this not considered necessarily definitive position. Yazid stressed essential political and strategic unity Maghreb which reason why political direction Algerian nationalist cause shifting from Cairo to Tunisia and Morocco.
In course discussion US official introduced subject reports Communist infiltration FLN and question possibility FLN tinning to Soviet Union for arms, munitions or “volunteers”. Impossible ascertain from Yazid’s reply whether he aware reason for introduction this subject into conversation. He said, apparently straightforwardly [Page 285] FLN considered Communists enemies and FLN would not be interested obtaining arms or military help from Soviet Union or Eastern European countries but rather from NATO area for reasons standardization weapons and ammunition. Yazid said would appreciate maintenance contact with USDel in future and was told this could easily be arranged.
Memorandum of conversation being pouched.3