Casablanca Conference (1943)
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The Casablanca Conference (codenamed SYMBOL) was held at the Anfa Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, from January 14 to 24, 1943, to plan the European strategy of the Allies during World War II. Present were Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle.
Stalin had also been invited but declined to attend. De Gaulle had also initially refused to come but changed his mind when Churchill threatened to recognize Henri Giraud as head of the Free French in his place. Giraud was also present at Casablanca, and there was notable tension between the two men during the talks.
Roosevelt insisted on making the 'Casablanca Declaration', which stated:
- The Allies demanded the unconditional surrender of the Axis.
- They agreed to aid the Soviet Union
- Agreed on the invasion of Sicily and Italy.
- Joint leadership of the Free French by De Gaulle and Giraud.
President Roosevelt presented the results of the conference to the American people in a radio address on 12 February 1943.
It was followed by Cairo Conference, Tehran Conference, Yalta Conference and Potsdam Conference.
