Brooklyn Eagle (January 24, 1943)
Allies hold vital talks; major decisions near
Free French believe U.S. has ace in hole to pacify de Gaulle
By Joe Alex Morris, United Press foreign editor
London, England – (Jan. 23)
Transatlantic negotiations between Britain and the United States tonight were expected to result in imminent announcement of important decisions.
These negotiations have been at a most active stage through the usual diplomatic channels [four words censored], by transatlantic telephone and more direct means.
The results of the negotiations are believe to be ready for announcement almost Immediately [13 words censored].
The inclusion in cables transmitted from London of notations of censorship of specific numbers of words is a most infrequent practice.
The negotiations have not been limited to British and American representatives, but include both Fighting French representatives and spokesmen for the North African French.
Far-reaching effects
A major task of the conferences was said to be the straightening out of North African political and military problems [four words censored].
The negotiations are expected to [One paragraph censored] …have far-reaching effects generally.
Most observers agreed that the North African problems must be cleaned up as a prelude to development of broad Allied strategical plans.
Some Fighting French sources believe the Americans hold a card up their sleeve which they may play very soon in an effort not only to pacify Gen. Charles de Gaulle but to obtain fullest cooperation from other French elements.
Lebrun’s name mentioned
In this connection, the name of Albert Lebrun, last President of the French Republic, has again been mentioned as possible head of a French regime which would satisfy most French. The whereabouts of Lebrun are unknown, but some quarters insist the possibility should not be ruled out that he might turn up in North Africa any day.
Well-informed quarters believed that once North Africa is settled, the Allies will concentrate on the greatest possible aid to Russia, presumably by coordinating Western operations with those on the Eastern Front.