American generals at NATO encouraged the 1961 putschists in conversation
Evidence
One of the more curious illusions of the putschists (especially in the light of subsequent revelations of the far-ranging activities of the C.I.A.) concerns the possibility of an American role. At the time, rumours of clandestine United States involvement ran extremely strong in France. Undeniably, during his time at N.A.T.O. headquarters the popular Challe did make firm friends of a number of high-ranking United States generals, who made no secret of their aversion to what de Gaulle was doing to N.A.T.O., going so far — over a plethora of Scotch — as to express enthusiasm for anyone who might rid France of her turbulent president, or, at least, force him to change his tune. — Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962, 1351
Categorization
- XREF: Connects to the reader’s interest in external powers reacting to French colonial and Gaullist policy.