157. Editorial Note
A rightist rebellion in Algiers on January 24 challenged President de Gaulle’s policy and demanded that Algeria remain under French rule. On January 29, de Gaulle called for an end to the uprising and reaffirmed his Algerian policy. The uprising ended on February 1. On February 2, President Eisenhower wrote de Gaulle that he had the full support and confidence of the U.S. Government and people in his policy toward Algeria. Eisenhower wrote: “In re-affirming your forward-looking policy for Algeria you have once again demonstrated the faith and courage which have always marked your actions. As we know it must, France under your leadership guards unshaken its strength and unity.”
On February 6, de Gaulle replied: “I have been deeply touched by the friendly attitude and support which you and the people of the United States have shown toward France during the recent events. This is an additional manifestation of the solidarity that causes all countries of the Free World to feel deeply anything that affects one of them. I thank you for this further demonstration of your friendship and assure you of my cordial and loyal sentiments.” Copies of these letters are in Department of State, Presidential Correspondence: Lot 66 D 204. See also volume XIII, pages 685–686.