Algiers Putsch of 1961 - Controversy Around CIA and BND Allegations

Controversy Around CIA and BND Allegations

There had been allegations in France, and in some other countries, that individuals within the CIA supported the coup. A number of authors, such as British historian Alistair Horne (A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954–1962), French journalist Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber, French historian and journalist Geneviève Tabouis, and American journalist Joseph Alsop (New York Herald Tribune April 25, 1961 editorial) claimed General Maurice Challe had been encouraged by anti-Gaullist friends in the CIA—whom he had met while serving with NATO—concerned about both a possible rise in Communism in North Africa and General de Gaulle's ambiguous policy. Only two days before the Algiers putsch, the CIA staged a failed coup in Cuba against its leader Fidel Castro, known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion. French journalist Patrick Pesnot claimed that the French generals also had the support of the Bundesnachrichtendienst (West German Federal Intelligence Service) leader Reinhard Gehlen. Regardless, the CIA did not support Challe's coup attempt and U.S. President John F. Kennedy contacted de Gaulle assuring him of his support, including military assistance if needed. President de Gaulle rejected Kennedy's support and General Challe always claimed he had never been in contact with foreign countries in this affair.