851.01/7–2544: Telegram
The Acting American Representative to the French Committee of National Liberation at Algiers (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 26—(12:30?) p.m.]
2503. Mr. Bullitt,51 who is leaving for Italy tomorrow, informs me that in the course of a long interview which he had the other day with General de Gaulle, the latter expressed the earnest hope that a titular representative of the USA with the rank of Ambassador might be appointed in the near future to the French Committee. The General said that Franco-American relations in the past few months had been handicapped by the absence in Algiers of an official of that authority with whom he might have discussed upon a frank and intimate basis the problems affecting those relations. He added that if a successor to Mr. Wilson52 were appointed, he would hope to establish with him just such mutual confidence and reiterated the desirability of immediate action in view of prospective developments in the war. Moreover the General felt it would be helpful to be able to discuss with such a representative the main problems envisaged for the post-war period.
Mr. Bullitt asked him if existing impulse toward better relations resulting from the successful visit of de Gaulle to the USA might be diminished. While the effect which such a representative might have upon the attitudes and policies of de Gaulle and the French Committee should not be exaggerated, there is little doubt but what the right man, speaking with an authority based on your confidence and that of the President might exert a most beneficial influence.