Office of the Historian

226. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France0

Washington, April 26, 1961, 9:58 p.m.

4541. Embassy requested deliver following Presidential message to de Gaulle. Advise time date delivery.

[Page 654]

“Dear General de Gaulle: I want you to know how deeply gratified I am with the success you have achieved in mastering events in recent days.1 I know that the American people join me in this feeling of gratification knowing that, if the result had been any other, the tragedy would have been for all of us and not for France alone. The steadfastness you displayed in the face of the hazards was inspiring and in full accord with firm, unswerving devotion to your nation which has been your role in France’s difficult days.

I must add, as well, that I was particularly heartened by the splendid manner in which the entire French people and the great majority of the French armed forces responded to your leadership.

With warmest personal wishes,

Sincerely yours,

John F. Kennedy”

We do not intend publish but have no objection should de Gaulle wish to do so. If de Gaulle wishes publish, inform Department in advance, if possible, to permit simultaneous publication by White House.

Bowles
  1. Source: Department of State, Presidential Correspondence: Lot 66 D 204. Official Use Only; Niact. For text of an April 24 message sent to de Gaulle on Algeria, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1961, p. 315.↩
  2. The President is referring to the military coup that began in Algeria on April 22, but was successfully put down by April 26.↩